DE69630852T2 - Device and method for displaying information - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information display device (map display device) and an information display method for use in a navigation device that provides route guidance a target set by a user.

A conventional map display device is, for example, a vehicle navigation device installed in a vehicle. The vehicle navigation device saves several items of information related to locations, e.g. B. Geographic names or names, phone numbers and addresses of buildings, Parks, companies or businesses, etc. These information items are in the navigation device along with representative Coordinates saved the geographic locations of facilities specify. If an information element, e.g. B. a geographic Name, phone number, address, or similar Information that is specified by the user is through the user desired Target in the navigation device entered. According to one another embodiment of a navigation device can be a particular point on a screen shown on a display Map can be specified using a cursor. In one such navigation device if a point representing a goal by the user is specified on a map image using the cursor, the coordinates of the specified point in the navigation device as the target point set.

As described above, by specifying the target using information elements the destination can be selected conveniently and reliably. In the aforementioned navigation device however, list data is required in which the information elements, z. B. geographical names or names, telephone numbers, etc., related to multiple destinations on a map geographic coordinates of target points are assigned. This List data must stored in a memory with a very large storage capacity become. The manufacturing cost of a navigation device for which a such memory with a very large storage capacity is required is, however, are high.

Therefore, conventional navigation devices with one Memory with a limited storage capacity provided to increase manufacturing costs to avoid. That is, the list data stored in the navigation device consist only of relationships with important or significant places standing data. This means that the navigation device does not save with all of them Locally related list data.

Therefore, if geographic locations as Target should be set that are not included in the list data are, must these goals are specified by a separate procedure, e.g. B. by a method according to the Map image of an area containing the destination is shown on the display of the navigation device and specified the destination using a cursor on the map image becomes. However, it is difficult to move the cursor to an exact position set on the map image.

In the conventional navigation device, the Set goals and record the actual position of a vehicle by one on road data based road map is used. Besides, will the route search from the actual position of the vehicle to one specified destination carried out using the road map, and the route guidance along the searched route is also using the road map provided.

To while driving the vehicle suitable route guidance to provide, is shown on the display of the navigation device Card provided a minimal amount of data. It should a driver of the vehicle facilitate the actual position of the vehicle and the main streets, which he should follow.

As described above represents the conventional navigation device represent small amounts of data so that relative small amounts of data are provided, based on which User target or a specific facility desired by the user to confirm got to. Therefore feel it the user frequently as tedious to determine the exact position. Using the card data, by the conventional road data can be formed, the user can often target on the illustrated Overlook map, although according to the route guidance he Target is approaching. The result is driving the user over the area surrounding the destination and takes a detour to reach the destination to arrive, i.e. the function of the navigation device is often not used efficiently.

In the conventional navigation device streets on the map shown on the display by straight lines formed that connect several coordinate points. Also are large facilities surrounded by lines so that the entire location of the facilities is recognizable and frequent Designations or names of the facilities shown on the map. Regarding the coordinates on the map at the time can often be entered where the destination is set Point on a road nearby the coordinates or one closest are searched for the coordinates of the intersection. The point or the intersection on the searched street is called the leading end point set, and a route is taken from the actual position of the vehicle to the leadership end point searched.

However, if the devices are surrounded by lines, as described above, the picture often does not show where the entrance of the device is. In addition, if the Guide end point is set and the guide route is sought based on the entered point, the route is advantageously led into the vicinity of the destination. However, if the outline of the facility at the destination is complex in shape, the user will often eventually be guided to a back door or a side or side street of the facility at the destination.

EP-A-0539146 relates to a navigation system comprising: a storage device for storing map data; one Position detection device for detecting an actual position of yourself moving object equipped with the navigation system; a display for displaying a map image; and one with the Storage device, the position detection device and the Display connected display control device for reading the stored Map data and stored additional service data covering a surrounding area the captured Actual position are assigned to cause the display the map image and an additional service data image with a transparent Background pattern, which is superimposed on the map image, so that a position the map image on the additional service data image through the transparent Background pattern is shown based on the read Map data and the read additional service data.

The present invention was developed to those mentioned above To solve problems.

It is a task of the present Invention to provide an information display device which enables building Easily search for and goals by recognizing the building shapes to be specified.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an information display device to be used during the Driving a vehicle provides route guidance and makes it easy makes a point on a map shown.

These tasks are characterized by the characteristics of claims solved.

According to the shape of a building Data displayed and saved so that the shape of the building can be easily recognized. This allows the building be searched at a point entered and the user is able to enter the operation to enter a target desired building quick and easy to do. Moreover becomes the building shape on the display image using the one with the building shape related data is presented. This makes a current displayed point for easily recognizable by a user.

According to the invention, the representation of the road maps and building maps in dependence of Driving conditions of the vehicle changed, So that the guide route while route guidance easier can be tracked. Under the given driving conditions of the vehicle can also be a shown point can be confirmed more easily. Besides, because a facility is provided that is capable of select displayed contents of map data, the user a point, z. B. a target on the map shown easily recognize when such a point is set.

According to the building card automatically shown on the display when the vehicle is moving nearby of the target so that the position the destination is appropriately recognizable on the map. This allows the Users can reach the destination quickly and easily. If the vehicle drives at a speed which is bigger as a given speed, the road map is also automatically shown on the display so that the card during the Ride can be viewed more comfortably. If the location of a building is on of the map shown should be a building card shown when the vehicle is traveling at a speed that is less than a given speed, making the building light is recognizable.

The word "building" also includes "facilities". The word "target" also includes "target point" and "target position". The word "represent" also includes "show" and "show".

1 Fig. 14 is a circuit diagram showing the overall structure of a navigation device;

2 shows a diagram for displaying a road map;

3 shows a diagram for displaying a building map;

4 Fig. 3 is a diagram showing some of the ones in a RAM memory 4 stored data;

5 Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the contents of building shape data;

6 shows a diagram of data related to the shape of a building;

7 Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the overall processing performed by the navigation device;

8th Fig. 11 shows a flowchart of processing for setting a target;

9 Fig. 12 shows a flowchart of processing for specifying a target;

10 shows a diagram for displaying a cursor KL and a building shape;

11 shows a diagram of a list of detail data related to building shapes;

12 shows a diagram showing some of the ones in RAM memory 4 stored data;

13 Fig. 12 shows a flowchart of processing for specifying a target;

14 Fig. 11 is a flowchart of processing for switching the map display;

15 shows a flowchart of a ver work for a manual operation;

16 FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of processing for a shift that is executed when the vehicle approaches the target; FIG.

17 shows a flowchart of processing for a switching operation for switching to a building card;

18 Fig. 11 shows a flowchart of processing for setting a stopover port;

19 shows a diagram for representing a color representation and a representation of a three-dimensional or perspective building shape representation;

20 shows a diagram showing some of the ones in RAM memory 4 stored data;

21 shows a diagram of the contents of a road data file;

22 shows a diagram for illustrating a guide route;

23 Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the structure of street number data;

24 Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the contents of building shape data;

25 Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a relationship between the shape of the building at the destination and neighboring streets;

26 Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a relationship between the shape of the building at the destination and the streets when the neighboring streets are not guide streets;

27 Fig. 11 shows a flowchart of processing for finding a route;

28 FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of processing for determining a route start point; FIG.

29 Fig. 11 shows a flowchart of processing for determining a route end point;

30 Fig. 11 is a flowchart of processing for searching a guide route;

31 FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of processing for specifying an arrival point according to a fourth embodiment; FIG.

32 FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of processing for determining an end point according to the fourth embodiment; FIG.

33 FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of processing for searching a guide route according to the fourth embodiment; FIG.

34 FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of processing for determining the end point according to a fifth embodiment; FIG.

35 FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of processing for searching a guide route according to the fifth embodiment; FIG.

36 FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a point setting processing according to a sixth embodiment; FIG. and

37 FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of processing for finding a route according to the sixth embodiment.

A data storage device 37 saves the building shape data ( 5 ), which are surrounded by several straight lines and represent the form of a sectioned device on one level. A target can be placed on a display using a KL cursor 33 shown image can be specified. In this case, the coordinates of the center KLC of the cursor on the map image are determined (step 96 in 9 ). The building shape data containing the coordinates of the center KLC of the cursor within the sectionalized section are searched (step 98 ). A geographic location represented by the building shape data containing the coordinates of the center KLC of the cursor is specified as the destination. Therefore, the target can be set more easily using the building shape data than if the center KLC of the cursor needs to be matched with the coordinates on the image.

If a specified element is selected from a list on the display that contains several elements, a target corresponding to the element is automatically selected. Then a building map of an area containing the selected destination appears on the display 33 shown (step 76 in 8th , Step 92 in 9 ). If an image area containing the target, the actual position and the center of the cursor at the center of the image is not within a coordinate area of the building map, a street map is displayed instead of the building map (steps 90 and 94 in 9 ). That on the display 33 The map image displayed can be switched to a building map or a street map by a manual operation (step 220 in 14 ). When the actual position is within a predetermined distance from the registered target TP, the display shows 33 a building map is automatically displayed (step 222 in 14 ). If the vehicle stops or drives at a speed that is less than a predetermined speed, the display of the building map is blocked (step 60 in 8th , Steps 292 and 294 in 17 ). If you switch from the road map to the building map, the scale of the road map is saved (step 302 in 17 ). If you switch from the building map to the street map again, the display is made in this saved scale (steps 312 and 314 in 17 ).

The building shape data file ( 5 ) has data related to the shape of buildings adjacent streets (data of neighboring streets). If the target specified by the user consists of building shape data (step 492 in 29 ), the coordinate of a node contained in the neighboring road data in the building shape data is considered as the end point (step 496 in 29 ). Then a guide route arriving at this end point is sought (step 464 in 27 ). This sets a guide route to the end point on the road, that of the destination appropriate building shape is adjacent (steps 526 . 544 in 30 ).

1. First embodiment

Features of a first embodiment of a map display device according to the invention are described below. The first embodiment of the map display device stores data related to a building, e.g. B. Data about the shape and the designation or the name of the building (building shape data file). Based on this data, a map is displayed in this way (step 92 in 9 ) that the shape of the building shown is recognizable (shape data). In the first embodiment, a building corresponding to an input point is also searched for and information about it is provided (step 98 in 9 ).

The first embodiment of the map display device described below has: a storage device (building shape data file) for storing external building data, e.g. B. of planar shapes or three-dimensional or perspective shapes of several buildings and plots, a reading device (CPU 2 ) for reading the external building data stored in the storage device, a conversion device (image processor 9 ) for converting the external building data read by the reading device into data suitable for display and a display device (display 33 , Step 92 in 9 ) to display a map representing the external building data based on the external building data converted by the converting means. A feature is that the shape of a building can be seen on the map represented by the display device.

The map display device of the embodiment described below also has: an external data storage device (building shape data file) for storing external building data, e.g. B. of building shapes, an internal data storage device (detailed data from 5 ) for storing internal data, e.g. B. of addresses, names or names, telephone numbers, etc. of buildings in relation to the external building data stored in the external data storage device, a display device (display 33 , Step 92 in 9 ) for displaying a map which represents the external building data based on the external building data stored in the external data storage device, a differentiation device (step 98 in 9 ) to differentiate the shape of the building in the map represented by the display device, which represents the external building data, a search device (step 102 in 9 ) for finding the internal data related to the building determined by the discriminating device from the internal storage device and an information providing device (step 102 in 9 ) to provide information about the internal building data searched by the search device.

In addition, the display device described below comprises: a building shape data storage device (building shape data file) for storing data related to buildings, e.g. B. of building shapes, a display device (display 33 , Step 92 in 9 ) for displaying map data based on the data stored in the building shape data storage device, a point input device (cursor KL, step 96 in 9 ) for entering a point based on the data displayed on the display device and a building shape search device (step 98 in 9 ) that detects the shape of a building based on the building shape data stored in the building shape data storage device and searches for a building that corresponds to the point input by the point input device, wherein the display device provides information about a building that corresponds to a point input by the input device (step 53 in 7 ).

A navigation device described below has: an actual position detection device (step 50 in 7 ) for detecting the actual position of a vehicle, a building shape data storage device (building shape data file) for storing building shapes in the form of coordinate sequences, a display device (display 33 , Step 92 in 9 ) for displaying map data based on the data stored in the building shape data storage device, a point input device (cursor KL, step 96 in 9 ) for entering a point based on the data displayed on the display device, a building shape search device (step 98 in 9 ), which compares the coordinates of the point input by the input device with the building shapes formed by the coordinate sequences of the building shape data storage device, carries out decision processing and searches for a building corresponding to the coordinates of the input point, a target setting device (step 108 in 9 ) for setting the building sought by the building shape search device as a destination and a route processing device (step 52 in 7 ) for processing a route from the actual position to the destination set by the destination setting device, the display device providing information about a building which corresponds to the coordinates of the point entered by the input device (step 53 in 7 ) and further provides information about the route processed by the route processing device (step 53 in 7 ).

In addition, the navigation device of the embodiment described below has: building shape data storage means (building shape data file) for storing building shape data related to building shapes representing shapes of locations sectioned on a level in a predetermined area, positions of the locations and data related to locations, a target specifying means (cursor KL) for specifying a destination by a point, a coordinate search facility (step 96 in 9 ) for searching the coordinates of a point specified by the target specifying means, a building shape searching means (step 98 in 9 ) a target setting device for searching the building shape data having the coordinates of the location searched by the coordinate search device (step 108 in 9 ), which considers the location represented by the building shape data searched by the building shape searching device as a destination, a guide route setting device (step 52 in 7 ) for setting a guide route to the target set by the target setting device, a display device (display 33 ) for displaying an image, a data display device (step 102 in 9 ) for displaying the building shape data related to a location contained in the building shape data searched by the building shape search device on the display device, an actual position detection device (step 50 in 7 ) for detecting the current position of a moving object, and a route display control device (step 53 in 7 ) for displaying the guide route set by the guide route setting device and the actual position detected by the actual position detection device on the display device.

2. Overall circuit

1 shows the overall circuit of the navigation device. A main processor 1 has a CPU 2 that controls and executes the operation of the entire navigation device. The main processor 1 has a first ROM 3 , a RAM memory 4 , a ROM memory 5 , a clock 6 , a sensor input interface 7 , a communication interface 8th , an image processor 9 , an image memory 10 and a speech processor 11 on.

In ROM or flash memory 3 are one by the CPU 2 System program to be executed, programs for controlling the display and for controlling voice guidance and various parameters are stored. The RAM memory 4 is used to store data supplied by external units, various parameters used for arithmetic operations, and arithmetic results.

The ROM memory 5 is used to store data required for route guidance and data required for map display. The clock 6 generates time data. The sensor input interface 7 receives various types of detection data from an absolute direction sensor 21 , a relative direction sensor 22 , a route sensor 23 and a vehicle speed sensor 24 in an actual position detection device 20 are arranged. The detection data from the actual position detection device 20 are via the sensor input interface 7 to the CPU 2 transfer. The communication interface 8th controls the communication of various types of data between one with a data bus 28 connected unit and the main processor 1 be replaced.

The image processor 9 reads in the image memory 10 stored image data, writes image data to the image memory and controls the image display on the display 33 , the display 33 can be an electron or cathode ray (CRT) display, a liquid crystal display or a plasma display. The image storage 10 saves them on the display 33 image data to be displayed and exchanges image data with the image processor 9 out. In response to a command from the CPU 2 converts the image processor 9 Map data into data to be displayed and generated on the display 33 image data to be displayed.

In this case, image data are generated for an area that is larger than the data area on the display 33 displayable image, and the image data are stored in the image memory 10 saved. This will, even if the picture is on the display 33 is scrolled in the longitudinal or transverse direction, the map image is displayed quickly. The ROM memory 5 is used to store speech waveform data by recording synthetic or natural speech for voice guidance. Controlled by the CPU 2 the required speech waveform data from ROM memory 5 read out and sent to a speech processor 11 transmitted, which converts the input voice waveform data into voice signals with analog waveforms and to a speaker 13 outputs.

The actual position detection device 20 detects the actual position of the vehicle. The acquisition data are from the actual position acquisition unit 20 that have an absolute direction sensor 21 , a relative direction sensor 22 , a route sensor 23 , a vehicle speed sensor 24 , a GPS receiver unit 25 , a beacon receiver unit 26 and a data transceiver unit 27 has to the main processor 1 transfer. The absolute direction sensor 21 is a terrestrial magnetism sensor for detecting terrestrial magnetism in the direction of the terrestrial magnetic field. The absolute direction sensor 21 outputs data that represent the south-north direction and thus the detected absolute direction.

The relative direction sensor 22 outputs data representing the direction of travel of the vehicle with respect to that by the absolute direction sensor 21 detected Represent absolute direction. The relative direction sensor 21 consists of a gyroscope, e.g. B. an optical fiber gyroscope or a piezoelectric oscillation gyroscope, or a steering angle sensor for detecting the steering angle of the wheels. The route sensor 23 outputs data indicating the distance traveled by the vehicle and is, for example, a digital counter connected to a tachometer or odometer. The vehicle speed sensor 24 outputs a voltage signal or a digital signal that changes in proportion to the speed of the vehicle.

The GPS receiver unit 25 receives a plurality of electromagnetic wave signals that are emitted from the GPS (Global Positioning System), and determines the actual position of the vehicle by an arithmetic operation using the electromagnetic wave signals. The GPS receiver unit 25 outputs data indicating the actual position of the vehicle. The GPS system consists of several artificial satellites that are in orbit outside the Earth's atmosphere. The beacon receiver unit 26 receives correction data for the GPS data from a ground station and from a data communication system, e.g. B. VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System), or from a similar system. The data received is from the beacon receiver unit 26 to the main processor 1 transfer. The data transceiver unit 27 exchanges various types of data between the vehicle and a bidirectional traffic information service or the ATIS service (Advanced Traffic Information Service) etc. using a mobile phone, FM multiplex signals or a telephone circuit.

The input / output device 30 is used to enter data used to set a point, e.g. B. the starting or starting point, a destination point, a crossing point, etc. are required, and provides guidance information during navigation processing. On the display 33 becomes a transparent touch panel 34 provided. The touch panel 34 consists of transparent touch switches, which are arranged in the form of a matrix on one level. A printer 35 is used to print various types of data, e.g. B. a map and a guide to facilities through the communication interface 8th be issued. The printer can be omitted if necessary.

Programs for navigation processing, according to the flowcharts described later by the CPU 2 are executed and programs related to other processing are in the data storage unit 37 saved. These programs are run by the data storage unit 37 (external storage device / external storage medium) read (installed / transferred / copied) and into the flash memory 3 (internal storage device / internal storage medium) written and stored therein. This installation (transfer / copy) process is accomplished by connecting the data storage unit 37 performed automatically with the navigation device or by switching on the navigation device or by a command (operation) entered by an operator.

The data storage device 37 can be replaced by another data storage unit, so that these programs and data can be replaced by more current or the latest program versions and data. The latest navigation system can therefore be provided by exchanging the data storage unit.

The data storage device 37 stores various types of data, e.g. B. map data, intersection data, node data, road data, photo data, destination data, guide point data, destination detail data, destination read data, building shape data, display guidance data, voice guidance data, image data for representing a simple guidance route, etc., which are required for navigation processing. The data storage device 37 be from a data storage medium, for. B. an IC memory, a CD-ROM, an IC memory card, an optical disk or a magnetic disk, and a reading unit therefor.

The one in the data storage unit 37 stored map data file has road map data, e.g. B. a street map of the entire country, and building map data defining the shapes of buildings. The road map and the building map can be formed from several maps with different scales for the same area or from part of a map with an appropriate scale. In this embodiment, the street map and the building map are formed from a plurality of map data with different scales for each of the areas. The building map is only saved as data collection of buildings for certain areas (e.g. for large cities, small towns, villages).

The road map is used to represent road networks, signs, symbols or figures representing locations of important or important buildings or facilities, important map symbols representing railway crossings, bridges, etc., and geographical data, e.g. B. geographical names or designations of large cities, small towns, villages, etc. 2 shows an image displayed based on road map data for the largest scale. The largest scale means that facilities and similar objects are the largest size on the display 33 being represented. In the displayed image of the road map based on the road data, the roads are distinguished by lines with different thicknesses and colors. A symbol marking is shown on the coordinates of the important buildings and facilities. Regarding other dates, names are shown on the picture or names of buildings or facilities, names of main streets, names of areas and markings for road traffic regulations, e.g. B. one-way street, or similar, although these are not shown in the diagram.

The shapes of houses, the shapes of streets, rivers, buildings, facilities above ground, etc. are shown to scale on the building map. Geographic data is also shown on the building map. 3 shows a building map. As in 3 shown, the data of the building map are configured so that the scale is smaller than or equal to the smallest scale of the street map. In the building map, the street widths are therefore shown scaled down in relation to the real streets. The building map shows sidewalks, pedestrian bridges, etc. The building map also shows markings that represent traffic lights at intersections and map symbols that show fields, pastureland, etc. Although not shown in the diagram, the building map also shows names or designations of buildings and facilities, names of main streets, names or designations of areas and symbols for traffic regulations. The one in the data storage unit 37 Saved building map data are used to show the building map on the display 33 ,

Here the building shape formed from data that the outer forms differentiate from buildings above the surface of the earth. That is, the "building shape" represents planar shapes of areas, buildings and land in a location that is sectionalized on one level, or the three-dimensional or spatial depicted on one level Appearance of it in one place, e.g. B. a perspective or a similar one View. Although the term "building shape" is used for ease of description, provide the building shape data too Represent who are not houses or buildings, z. B. facilities, roads and rivers.

The intersection data file in the data storage device 37 consists of data related to intersections, e.g. B. Positions and names of the intersections. The node data file consists of a data record, which e.g. B. represents coordinates of several nodes placed on the roads. The nodes are formed when the streets on the street map are approximately represented by straight lines. The road data file consists of the positions and types of roads, the number of lanes, and data representing connections between the roads. The photo data file consists of photographic image data of locations for which an image display is requested, e.g. B. from image data of facilities, sights, important intersections, etc.

The target data file consists of locations which have been set as goals and which B. important sights, Building, companies or companies or companies listed in a telephone book, Company headquarters, geographical locations of facilities, and from data related to the goals, e.g. B. names or designations of facilities. The guide point data file consists of with streets related leadership data. The guidance dates point Contents of notice boards that run along in reality the street are installed, and for a tour along the streets, z. B. for a guide Branch points, required data. The target detail data file consists of detailed data that is saved in the target data file Related to goals.

The target read data file consists of List data for phonetic search for the targets in the target data file. The building shape data file consists of shape data of building shapes to represent the outer forms in response to the building card data and from the building shapes associated discrimination data. The file for other data can be an address list data file to find the destinations based on addresses, a phone number list data file to find destinations based on phone numbers, one with destinations, by the user personally be registered, related data file and the like Files. The destinations registered personally by the user can be locations be that often are set as goals, e.g. B. Places of clients, customers, etc.

3. Data groups

4 shows some of those in RAM memory 4 saved data groups. External data GD will be all or part of that in the data storage unit 37 copied saved data. Actual position data MP are through the actual position detection device 20 recorded actual position data of the vehicle. Absolute direction data ZD is data based on data from the absolute direction sensor 21 represent certain south-north direction. Relative direction data θ represents one based on data from the relative direction sensor 22 certain angle between the direction of travel of the vehicle and the absolute direction.

Route data ML represent one based on data from the route sensor 23 certain, traveled distance of the vehicle. Actual position data PI are with the beacon receiver unit 26 or the data transceiver unit 27 supplied actual position related data. VICS data VD and ATIS data AD are data of the VICS or ATIS system which are transmitted via the beacon receiver unit 26 or the data transceiver unit 27 are fed.

Registered target data TP is data related to the position or name of a target registered by the user. Guide route data MW are there that the route search processing described later (step 52 ) represent the optimal or recommended route to the destination. Route starting point data SP is coordinate data on a map for a point at which the navigation processing starts, the starting point by the route search processing (step 52 ) is determined. Route end point data EP is coordinate data on a map for a point where the navigation processing ends, the end point by the route search processing (step 52 ) is determined.

4. Building shape data

As described above are building card data for areas of capitals, cities and villages has been collected and each of the areas has a house card number been assigned. The building shape data are for any building card number the area where the building shapes exist, sectionalized. As described above the building shape data Moreover through with the outer shapes of buildings related data and data for distinguishing locations educated. With the differentiation data are type data that the Represent the intended use of the facility, data related roads, Detail data, etc. in relation. In this embodiment, the shape data planar forms of sections, locations or places and buildings Represent where buildings and Facilities in the building cards exist, are sectionalized on one level.

5 shows building shape data of an area stored in the building shape data file. The building card number data corresponds to the number data of building card data stored in the card data file. The data related to the number of data represents the number N of building shapes existing in an area represented by a house card number. The N building shape data each have type data, shape data, data of neighboring streets, detailed data and other data. Below that are the shape data of external building data. The data different from the shape data is internal building data.

The type data is data for specifying public facilities, e.g. B. from authorities, schools, hospitals, etc. and for specifying building types, e.g. B. individual houses, apartments, single-family houses, etc. The type data further includes data that the types of by a road, a railway line, or a border, z. B. represent a river, sectionalized locations. The shape data is formed by a data record of geographic coordinate sequences for generating the building shapes. That is, a family home shape is represented by a figure represented by straight lines defining the exterior shape of the house shape. Therefore, the shape data is formed by a required number of coordinates and coordinate data at the corner points that define the points at which the straight lines are connected. For example, if the house has a hexagonal shape, as in 6 shown, the coordinates (X0, Y0) to (X5, Y5) at the corner points form the coordinate data for representing the shape of the building. Curves of the building shape can be approximated by fine straight lines. Therefore, a building with a curved outer shape has a larger number of corner points.

The ones related to neighboring streets Data are identified by number data from the neighboring streets and building shape Coordinate data from contained in the data of the neighboring roads Knot formed. There are often several Knots nearby the shape of the building than the data of neighboring streets assigned nodes set. If there are several streets adjacent to the building the data of the neighboring streets assign number data of these streets and Coordinate data of the nodes. The detail data represent with a building shape related detailed information. If the type of building shape z. B. a building is where several independent shops are located, the detailed data assign the name of the place, e.g. B. the Name of the building, address data this place, with the number of floors of the building in Related data, with the number of companies or companies or Departments in the building related data and with the business content of the companies or companies or departments related data. The address data is data, the states and capital or major cities, districts or circles, districts, cities, Villages, streets and represent addresses.

Content data have name data, e.g. B. Names or designations of companies and names or designations of departments, phone number data, section data and classification data on. The classification data represent business content Classification data used classification method according to the classification of stores listed in an industry directory or Company determines. Examples of classifications are: "petrol station", "restaurant", "convenience store", "parking lot", "police station", "bank", "post office", "train station", "hospital", "school", "cinema", "Halle", "Theater", "Live House", "Kunstmuseum", "Bibliothek", "Datenbibliothek", "Zoo", "Aquarium", "botanische Anlage", "Erholungszentrum", "Bowlingbahn", "Skating-Bahn "," Disco Club "," Karaoke Shop "," Sports facility "," Hotel "," Inn "," Accommodation facility "," Department store "," Shopping center "," Bookshop "," CD- and video shop "," sports shop "," general store "or" supermarket "," delicatessen "," company "or" company ", etc.

Other data contain list image data for displaying detailed data on the display 33 , Image data for a perspective representation for three-dimensional representation of building shapes, data representing characteristics of buildings, coordinate data of the entrances to buildings, coordinate data for the access to parking spaces which are assigned to the buildings, etc.

5. Overall processing

7 shows a flow chart of the CPU 2 executed overall processing. This processing is started when the power supply is turned on and ends when the power supply is turned off. When all processing is started, the CPU initializes 2 the RAM memory 4 , the image memory 9 , etc. Then, processing for determining the actual position (step 50 ), object setting processing (step 51 ), route search processing (step 52 ) or a management display processing (step 53 ) executed repeatedly.

In the processing for determining the actual position (step 50 ) the actual position of the vehicle is used by the actual position detection device 20 transmitted data determined. In the processing for determining the actual position, the length and width representing the actual position are made using that from the GPS receiver unit 25 fed data determined. The length and width are in RAM 4 saved as actual position data MP. The actual position data MP is corrected with data related to the actual position by the beacon receiver unit 26 or the data transceiver unit 27 are fed.

Processing to specify the vehicle position is based on the absolute direction data ZD, relative direction angle data θ and Route data ML executed. The vehicle position determined by this processing is with compared the map data in the external data GD and corrected so that the Actual position is correctly displayed on the map image. By this processing can also be the actual position of the vehicle be correctly determined if the user e.g. B. through a tunnel drives or for other reasons GPS signals cannot be received.

In goal setting processing (step 51 ) the target is set by manipulation by the user. The destination is set by the user on the display 33 specified image directly, or by the user selecting a desired location from a separate list. After the target is determined, the user confirms the target. Through this operation, the data related to the confirmed target is stored as registered target data TP in the RAM 4 saved. After the target processing is executed once (step 51 ) it will not be executed again until a new target is set.

In route search processing (step 52 ) the guide route to the destination is searched for based on the registered destination data TP, the actual position data MP and the road data. The guide route is formed from roads on the road map that connect the current position with the destination. The road number data of roads that form the guide route are arranged in an order from the starting point to the destination. The road number data arranged in this way are stored as guide route data MW in the RAM memory 4 saved. If the user e.g. B. wants to drive from the starting point to a destination, the user specifies the destination in the goal setting processing (step 51 ). The specified target is a registered target. The registered destination or a point located near the destination on a guided road is called the route end point EP in the RAM 4 saved. The actual position of the vehicle becomes a starting point. The actual position or a point arranged in the vicinity of the actual position on a guided road is a route starting point SP.

Roads that match the search conditions for the connection of the route starting point SP with the route end point EP best searched successively. The guide route is through the the searched streets received route formed. Below are the for Search the streets conditions used. Conditions can be: the route to the end point of the route EP is the shortest route; the travel time to reach the route end point EP is shortest; the route is preferred from expressways and main roads educated; or similar.

The streets forming the guide route will be selected as described below. First is the route starting point SP a starting point for the guidance route search. A street, the those mentioned above Conditions met, is selected from several streets connected to the starting point. thereupon becomes a street the those mentioned above Conditions met, selected from multiple roads connected to the end point of the previously selected road. This Processing is repeated to one with the route end point EP to search the connected route. The streets connect two intersections or two points. Therefore exists on a street to which a street number is assigned is not a branch point.

The road number data of the roads that make up the searched guide route are stored as guide route data MW in the RAM 4 saved. The guidance route search processing corresponds to processing the road numbers forming the guidance route and is based on a predetermined processing in which road data defined for the roads is used.

In the next leadership presentation process processing (step 53 ) the route search processing (step 52 ) automatically carried out when the actual position of the vehicle deviates from the guide route. In this case, a new guidance route is sought. The processing for finding a new guide route can be carried out after a predetermined switch operation or in response to a voice input. The route search processing (step 52 ), however, will not be executed again if the actual position of the vehicle does not deviate from the guide route or if a command is entered by the user to search for a route again.

In the leadership presentation processing (step 53 ) by the route search processing (step 52 ) found guide route by a thick line with a striking or clear color, e.g. B. red, blue, etc., on the map image on the display 33 shown. In addition, a position marker indicating the actual position of the vehicle and a target direction marker indicating the direction of the target with respect to the actual position are displayed 33 shown. From a speaker 13 guidance information is provided by voice, or guidance information is shown on the map image on the display 33 shown. Based on this generated information, the user can reliably guide his vehicle along the guide route.

The image used to represent the guidance route a road map, that contains geographic data z. B. streets nearby the actual position, facilities, etc. and a building map for the environment the actual position. A simplified map can also be used instead of the road map Guide route picture are used in which no geographic data is displayed, but only a minimal amount of data is displayed, e.g. B. a guide route, the direction of the target, the actual position, etc.

In addition, when the vehicle approaches a predetermined guidance point, a map of the vicinity of the guidance point is displayed on a larger scale, and the direction in which the vehicle should travel is displayed. In addition, guidance information is provided by voice along with a map display on a larger scale. The default guide point can be a point where the user should turn right or left, or an intersection. The actual position of the vehicle shown in the picture is corrected while the vehicle is traveling. This will make it on the display 33 shown map image automatically scrolled according to the movement of the actual position of the vehicle.

In this guide presentation processing (step 53 ) is also switched from the road map or from a simple guide route map to a building map or from a building map to a road map or a simple guide route map. The card is switched or automatically in response to a manual operation by the user.

If the driving speed of the vehicle is greater than a predetermined speed, a road map or a simple guide route image is displayed. If, on the other hand, the speed of travel of the vehicle becomes lower than the predefined speed or the vehicle comes to a standstill, the road map or the simple guide route image is switched to the building map. If the coordinates of the actual position lie outside the coordinate range covered by the building map shown, the street map or the simple guide route image for the surroundings of the actual position is automatically displayed. If the vehicle has entered an area that is defined by a given radius with the registered target as the center, it can automatically change from that on the display 33 shown map, ie from the street map or the simple guide route picture, can be switched to the building map.

6. Goal setting processing

8th shows a flowchart of target setting processing (step 51 ). First, it is determined whether the vehicle is at a standstill or not (step 60 ). That is, it is determined whether the by the vehicle speed sensor 20 detected speed of the vehicle is 0 km / h or less than a predetermined speed. If it is determined that the vehicle is not at a standstill, the setting processing ends (step 51 ), and the next route search processing is carried out (step 52 ).

If against it in step 60 If it is determined that the vehicle is at a standstill, it is determined whether the user requests a list selection or not (step 62 ). When a list selection is requested, a list is shown and the user selects a desired item from the list shown on the display. That is, when a list selection is requested, items necessary to find the target are specified. Then a target is selected that corresponds to the specified elements. That is, when the target processing (step 51 ) is started, a road map for the area around the current position is shown on the display 33 shown. In addition, a button "ENTER LIST" is shown on the street map image. When the user touches the displayed button with his finger, a touch signal from the touch panel 34 output. The CPU 2 detects the touch signal and a list entry flag is set.

In step 62 it is determined whether the list entry flag is set or not. If there is a list is desired, ie if the list entry flag is set, the display shows 33 a menu to find the destination, e.g. B. "ADDRESS", "TELEPHONE NUMBER", "CATEGORY", etc. When the user touches a section or button in which a desired item is shown, a touch signal is output from the touch panel 34 output. In response to the touch signal, the flag of a corresponding element is set. If e.g. B. the element "ADDRESS" shown on the display is touched, an address flag is set. If other elements are specified, a telephone number flag, a category flag or a similar flag is set depending on the specified elements.

In the steps 64 to 68 it is determined which flags are set. In addition, a "RETURN" button appears on the menu image on the display 33 shown. When the "RETURN" button is touched, the target processing ends (step 51 ), and the list of items is shown on the display 33 deleted. If the list display is deleted, the street map is displayed again. The items in the list are not limited to the items mentioned above, but may also represent the menu items "COMPANY NAME OR INSTITUTION" or "INDIVIDUAL NAME". Any element can be used provided that it helps distinguish a target from other devices.

When the user selects any item from the menu screen, the display shows 33 a data input image corresponding to the selected element is displayed (step 74 ). The data input image is displayed based on the target data file and the target detail data file. For example, when an "ADDRESS" item is selected, the names of capitals and districts or counties are first displayed in a list. When the name of the capital or the district or district is selected from the list, a list of the names of cities, towns and villages is shown on the image. When the city, town or village is selected, an image for entering the name of a district or area, a street number, etc. is displayed. The address is then entered successively. Or the address is searched for using the first letters of the word of the address as a keyword and successively specified. In any case, touching the name or number shown will enter the name or a similar feature of the area shown in the device.

When an item "TELEPHONE NUMBER" is selected, numbers become 1 to 0 shown on the display. If the numbers shown by the User touches the numbers touched into the device entered. By selectively entering the numbers it becomes a phone number entered.

When an item "CATEGORY" is selected, a list of names or labels of categories is displayed. When the category name is touched on the display, the category corresponding to the name is set as the category desired by the user. When the category is selected, names or labels of places that match the selected category appear on the display 33 shown in alphabetical order or in the order of capitals and districts. The user touches the image to select a desired location. By sequentially selecting the elements in this way, a desired destination is ultimately selected by the user. The specified destination is in RAM 4 saved (step 76 ). The coordinate data of each of the locations in the target data file is data for specifying coordinates of a specific point determined for each of the locations, e.g. B. can correspond to the center coordinates of the location.

If at a time when the target processing (step 51 ) is started, there is a request to display a building map, the decision result in step 78 "YES". In this case, target specification processing is carried out (step 80 ) to specify a destination on the building map. Processing in step 80 is the same as that of step 76 , If the building map to be displayed of the area desired by the user is not in the data storage device 37 is saved in the steps 80 and 76 a road map is shown. Then the destination is specified using the road map. The switch for setting the target may be a switch other than the touch panel mentioned above 34 , For example, a push button switch located near the image or that on the display 33 shown cursors are used.

7. Target specification processing

9 shows a flowchart to illustrate the in the steps 76 and 80 executed target specification processing. In this processing, the building map is on the display 33 shown when the building map of an area desired by the user in the data storage unit 7 is saved. Then one by the cursor on the picture on the display 33 specified location searched using the building shape data. The searched location is registered as TP in RAM memory 4 saved. At the request of the user, detailed data of the destination specified by the cursor can also be shown on the display 33 being represented.

The flowchart of 9 described. First, it is determined whether the building map of the desired area in the data storage unit 37 is saved or not (step 90 ). In the step 76 Execution of target specification processing determines whether the house map data of an area containing the coordinates of a step 74 contains selected location in the data storage unit 37 are saved or not. In the step 80 executed target specification processing, it is determined whether the building shape data of an area containing the current position of the vehicle in the data storage unit 37 are saved or not. When the image is scrolled, it is also determined whether the house map data containing the coordinates of the cursor in the center is in the data storage unit 37 are saved or not.

Whether the building card data in the data storage unit 37 stored or not is determined as described below. That is, when the building map of the area desired by the user is on the display 33 to be displayed, it is determined whether the building card data can be written into the entire image memory that generates the image. When the house map data to be written to the image memory is not in the data storage unit 37 are saved, the building map may not be suitable on the display 33 being represented. That is, the house map data of the area desired by the user is not in the data storage unit 37 are saved. As described above, if the building card is not suitable on the display 33 is shown, that is, when the house map data of the area desired by the user is not in the data storage unit 37 are saved, the street map on the display 33 shown.

When building map data of an area containing the coordinates of a specified point, coordinates of the current position or coordinates of the cursor center is stored, the CPU reads 2 the house map data of this area from the data storage unit 37 and puts them on the display 33 (step 92 ). Colors of buildings on the building map are classified depending on the types of above-ground facilities. For example, streets and uninhabited plots are shown in white, buildings for people and companies or companies in gray, and public facilities in orange. According to the invention, however, the assignment of the colors to be displayed and the colors themselves are not restricted.

When a specific location is specified by selecting items in the list, the coordinate data in the target data for that specified location are read out. Then the building map is displayed so that the point specified by the coordinate data in the center of the picture on the display 33 is pictured. In the case of step 80 the building map is shown so that the actual position of the vehicle in the center of the picture on the display 33 is pictured.

When the building map is on the display 33 is shown (step 92 ), the cursor KL appears in the middle of the picture on the display 33 shown. The cursor is moved by the user. The coordinates indicated by the cursor KL on the building map are determined by arithmetic processing (step 96 ). The location containing the coordinates indicated by the cursor KL is searched in the building shape data file (step 98 ).

10 shows a diagram to show that the coordinates (Xc, Yc) of the center KLC of the cursor KL lie within the building shape HS. A range of coordinates on the display 33 shown building map image is processed. The one on the display 33 Building shape data shown building map are read from the building shape data file in turn. In addition, the coordinates of the center KLC of the cursor are determined based on the position of the center KLC of the cursor displayed on the screen. The building shape data containing the coordinates of the center KLC of the cursor are searched using the shape data contained in the read out building shape data.

In the case of, for example 10 a maximum value and a minimum value of the X coordinates and a maximum value and a minimum value of the Y coordinates are found in the shape data (X0, Y0) to (X5, Y5). It is then determined whether the X coordinate (Xc) at the center KLC of the cursor is a value between the maximum value and the minimum value of the X coordinate of the shape data. This decision is made by comparing the X coordinate (Xc) of the center KLC of the cursor with the maximum X coordinate and the minimum X coordinate. Similarly, it is determined whether the Y coordinate (Yc) at the center KLC of the cursor is a value that lies between a maximum value and a minimum value of the Y coordinate of the shape data.

Here, the following arithmetic processing executed if the coordinate of the center KLC of the cursor is between the maximum X coordinate and the minimum X coordinate and between the maximum Y coordinate and the minimum Y coordinate the shape of the building HS lies. That is, the gradient of a straight line is determined, which are the coordinates of the center KLC of the cursor with the corner coordinates the shape of the building HS connects. The determined gradient of the straight line is with the gradient of straight lines compared to the circumference of the. building shape Enclose HS. Depending on Comparison of the gradient of the straight line determines whether the Center KLC of the cursor within one by the shape of the building HS sectionalized level.

As in 10 is shown, z. B. found a gradient a1 of a straight line Lc that the Middle KLC of the cursor connects with the coordinates (X2, Y2), a gradient a2 of a straight line L2 that connects a corner point (X1, Y1) with a corner point (X2, Y2), and a gradient a3 of a straight line L3 that connects the corner point (X2, Y2) with a corner point (X3, Y3). The gradients a1, a2 and a3 are compared with one another. In case of 10 it can be seen that the center KLC of the cursor lies between the straight lines L2 and L3. Gradients of other straight lines L1, L4, L5 and L6 are also determined. The gradients of the straight lines L1, L4, L5 and L6 are compared with the gradient of the straight line Lc. The comparison of the gradients of the straight lines indicates that the center KLC of the cursor lies within a range which is enclosed by the straight lines L1 to L6, which enclose the outer circumference of the building shape HS.

The above-mentioned arithmetic processing is for all on the picture on the display 33 shown building shapes executed. As a result of the arithmetic processing, building data are recorded which contain the center KLC of the cursor. It is then determined whether or not to display detail data (step 100 ). For example, if the user sees the on the display 33 touched the "DETAILED DATA" button shown, it is determined that the display of detailed data has been requested. If the display of detailed data has been requested, the data in step 98 searched building shape data contained list image data from the data storage unit 37 read out and sent to the image processor 9 transferred (step 102 ). Then, the contents of detail data related to a position corresponding to the center of the cursor are displayed on the display in the form of a list 33 shown.

According to 11 the center of the cursor KL is, for example, in the planar building shape HS. At this time, when a display of detail data has been requested, the detail data related to the building shape HS indicated by the cursor KL is displayed 33 shown. If the building shape HS z. B. is a building with several shops and companies, is on the display 33 a list is shown showing the names or names of the shops or companies in each of the rooms, telephone numbers and the types of shops and companies. For example, if the user is looking for a bookshop and that bookshop is on the second floor of the building, the user can confirm the bookshop on the list. If the user does not make any input or manipulation for a predetermined period of time, it is determined that no display of detailed data is requested. In this case, the processing of step 102 not executed and no list is displayed.

It is then determined whether there is a request to end the processing (step 104 ). For example, it is determined whether the on the display 33 shown button "RETURN" has been touched by the user or not. If the user has touched the "RETURN" button, it is determined that there is a request to end processing. In this case, the target specification processing of 9 (Steps 76 . 80 ), and the route search processing (step 52 in 7 ) is running. If there is no request to end processing, it is determined whether the target is registered or not (step 106 ). For example, the "REGISTER" button appears on the display 33 shown. Whether the user has touched this button or not is determined by using the touch panel 34 output signal determined. If the destination is registered, the in step 98 searched building shape data as registered target data TP in RAM memory 4 saved (step 108 ).

If the target has not been registered, it is determined whether the user has moved the cursor KL or not. Whether or not the cursor KL has been moved is determined using an interrupt signal generated by the movement of the cursor KL. When the interrupt signal is generated, image scroll processing, not shown, is performed. This will make it on the display 33 shown map image scrolled. That on the display 33 The map image shown is scrolled so that the center KLC of the cursor is always in the center of the image. If the scrolling process is interrupted, the program jumps to step 90 back, the coordinates of the center KLC of the cursor are determined (step 96 ) and the building shape data containing the center KLC of the cursor is searched (step 98 ).

If there is a request to display detailed data, a list of detailed data is displayed (steps 100 . 102 ). If, as a result of scrolling the image, the building shape data is insufficient and the building card data on the display 33 are shown, ie when the on the display 33 displayed coordinate range is outside the coordinate limits of the building shape data, the decision result in step 90 NO. In this case, the display 33 Instead of the building map, there is a street map with the coordinates of the center KLC of the cursor in the middle of the image (step 93 ).

At the time the target specification processing of 9 when it is determined that the house map data does not contain the coordinates of the above-mentioned specific location, the coordinates of the actual position or the coordinates of the center of the cursor (step 90 ), the road map data read out and on the display 33 shown (step 93 ). The road map is displayed so that the coordinates of the above-mentioned specific location, the coordinates of the actual position or the coordinates of the Mit the cursor in the middle of the picture on the display 33 being represented.

When the street map on the display 33 is shown (step 93 ) the cursor KL appears in the middle of the picture on the display 33 and the geographic coordinates of the center of the cursor KL are given by the CPU 2 determined (step 94 ).

It is then determined whether a request to end the target specification processing of 9 is present or not (step 104 ). It is determined whether the button "RETURN" shown on the display has been touched by the user or not. When the "RE-TURN" button is touched by the user, it is determined that there is a request to end the processing. When there is a request to finish processing, the target specification processing (steps 76 . 80 ) ends, and the route search processing is carried out (step 52 ). If there is no request to end processing, it is determined whether the target is registered or not (step 106 ). If the destination is registered, one in step 94 searched point, which is indicated by the center KLC of the cursor, as a registered target TP in the RAM 4 saved (step 108 ).

If the target is not registered and the user moves the cursor KL to change the position for specifying the target, the image is scrolled. That is, the image of the on the display 33 shown road map is scrolled. That on the display 33 The map image shown is scrolled so that the center KLC of the cursor is always in the center of the image. If the scrolling process is interrupted, the program jumps to step 90 back to determine the coordinates of the center KLC of the cursor (step 93 ).

When the building map is displayed due to the scrolling of the picture in such a way that the center KLC of the cursor is in the center of the picture within the on the display 33 the coordinate range shown is the answer in step 90 "YES". In this case, the building map is shown with the coordinates of the center KLC of the cursor in the middle of the image instead of the street map (step 92 ).

When the destination is selected from a list of locations (points) as described above, the building map containing the coordinates of the selected location appears on the display 33 automatically displayed (steps 76 . 90 . 92 ). When the user requests the building map to be displayed, the building map which contains the coordinates of the actual position is also shown on the display 33 shown (step 80 . 90 . 92 ). Then the coordinates of the center KLC of the cursor are determined (step 96 ), and the building shape data containing the center KLC of the cursor within the area of the building shape is searched (step 98 ).

When the building map is on the display 33 Therefore, by setting the center KLC of the cursor to the area of the building shape, the location of the building shape can be specified as the target. This easily specifies the goal. That is, in this embodiment, the cursor is not set to the coordinates of a point, but to an area surrounded by the shape of the building to automatically specify the target. Therefore, the cursor does not have to be moved exactly to the destination on the map shown on the display. That is, when the cursor is moved to a predetermined position within a plane figure represented as a building shape, the destination is specified, that is, the destination is specified more easily than with conventional navigation devices.

In addition to the shape data, the building shape data also contain detailed data. If a location is specified by the user, it can therefore be shown on the display 33 Data are shown that are related to a specific facility at the corresponding location. When setting the target, detailed information about the facility at the target can therefore be provided. In addition, if the vehicle is moving at a speed greater than a predetermined speed, the processing for specifying the target is deactivated (step 60 in 8th ). That is, the processing for specifying the target is activated only when the vehicle is at a standstill or is traveling at a speed lower than the predetermined speed.

If the building map is not completely on the display 33 can be displayed even though there is a request to display the building map (step 78 ), the street map is shown instead. That is, the road map is displayed when in the data storage unit 37 insufficient building maps are stored to fully display the building map 33 display. Therefore, the image appears on the display in the following cases 33 Switched from the building map to the street map: 1) There is insufficient building map data in the data storage unit 37 saved to a building map with the actual position of the vehicle in the middle of the display 33 completely. 2) If while the building map is on the display 33 is displayed and the displayed image is scrolled according to the movement of the cursor KL, the geographical area of the displayed image leaves the coordinate area of the representable building map. This permanently places a card on the display 33 shown.

8. Second embodiment

The following embodiment relates to a navigation device that a road map based on road data and one with buildings, z. B. with the shapes of buildings, related data-based building map (street data file) stores and switches the map on request (map switching processing from 14 , Steps 190 . 191 . 193 . 195 and 197 in 13 and steps 362 . 363 . 365 . 375 and 377 in 18 ).

The embodiment described below has: a data storage device (road data file) for storing map data, an actual position detection device (step 50 in 7 ) for detecting the actual position of the vehicle, an input device (target specification processing in 8th ) for entering data, e.g. A destination, and similar data required to calculate the route, a route processing device (step 52 in 7 ) for processing a route based on the data entered by the input device and the map data stored in the data storage device, a route guidance device (step 53 in 7 ) for guiding the route based on the route processed by the route processing device and the actual position detected by the actual position detection device, a display device (display 33 ) for displaying the map data read out from the data storage device and for displaying a route processed by the route processing device, and a map data switching device (map switching processing from 14 , Steps 190 . 191 . 193 . 195 and 197 of 13 and steps 362 . 363 . 365 . 375 and 377 of 18 ) for switching the map data to be displayed on the display device, the data storage device having a road map data storage device (road map data file) for storing road map data generated based on the road data and a building map data storage device (building map data file) for storing building map data based on buildings, e.g. Building shapes, related data is generated, and wherein, after predetermined conditions are judged, the map data switching means the map data generated by reading the road map data from the road map data storage device and the map data generated by reading the building map data from the building map data storage device are switched and output to the display device.

9. Overall circuit

The overall circuit of the second embodiment is the same as the overall circuit of FIG 1 illustrated first embodiment and is therefore not described here.

10. Data groups

12 shows some of those in RAM memory 4 saved data groups. The external data GD will be all or part of that in the data storage unit 37 copied saved data. The actual position data MP are those by the actual position detection device 20 recorded actual position data of the vehicle. The absolute direction data ZD are those based on data from the absolute direction sensor 21 based data representing the south-north direction. The relative direction angle data θ represents one based on data from the relative direction sensor 22 determined angle between the direction of travel of the vehicle and the absolute direction. The route data ML represent the route traveled by the vehicle, which is based on data from the route sensor 23 is determined.

The actual position data PI is data related to the actual position and is generated by the beacon receiver unit 26 or the data transceiver unit 27 fed. VICS data VD and ATIS data AD are data of a VICS or ATIS system which are transmitted via the beacon receiver unit 26 or the data transceiver unit 27 are fed. The registered target data TP is data related to the position or name or designation of a target registered by the user. The guide route data MW is data which is obtained by route search processing described later (step 52 ) represent the optimal or recommended route to the destination.

The travel speed data MV represent the through the speed sensor 24 detected travel speed of the vehicle. Route starting point data SP are coordinate data of a point on a map at which navigation processing begins, the starting point being determined by the route search processing (step 52 ) is determined. The route end point data EP is coordinate data of a point on a map at which the navigation processing ends, the end point by the route search processing (step 52 ) is determined. A building card display flag JF indicates whether the display of a building card is on the display 33 is requested. Scale data SD represent the scale of the on the display 33 shown road map.

A road map display flag DF indicates whether the display of a road map is on the display 33 is requested. Target distance data MD represent a distance from the actual position to a registered target point TP. A “manual display” flag MF indicates whether the display of a building map is on the display 33 based on a manual operation requested by the user. A building card display flag HF indicates whether the building card is on the display 33 is shown or not. The RAM memory 4 has registers for storing data DK for recommended stopover locations, stopover data KJ, search area data SA, search condition data KJ and stopover setting data (stopover setting flag) TF. The data DK for recommended Intermediate stops are related to locations specified by the user, which he can find on the route of the guide route to the destination.

11. Building shape data

The building shape data of the second embodiment is the same as that in FIG 5 shown building shape data of the first embodiment and are therefore not described here.

12. Overall processing

The overall processing in the second embodiment is almost the same as that in FIG 7 shown overall processing of the first embodiment.

In the processing for determining the actual position (step 50 ) of 7 is the actual position of the vehicle based on the actual position processing device 20 transmitted data determined. In the processing for determining the actual position, the length and the width are based on by the GPS receiver unit 25 fed data determined. The length and width are in RAM 4 saved as actual position data MP. The actual position data MP can be corrected by data related to the actual position and from the beacon receiver unit 26 or the data transceiver unit 27 are fed.

The processing for specifying the vehicle position is carried out based on the absolute direction data ZD, the relative direction angle data θ and the travel route data ML. The vehicle position calculated by this processing is compared with the positions of roads in the map data written on the external data GD. When the card is on the display 33 is displayed, the actual position of the vehicle is appropriately corrected and displayed. With this processing, the actual position of the vehicle can also be suitably determined if no GPS signals can be received because the vehicle is, for example, in a tunnel or for other reasons.

In goal setting processing (step 51 in 7 and 8th ) the target is specified by manipulation by the user. If the user e.g. B. selects a targeting mode, a road map with the actual position in the middle on the display 33 shown. When the street map is shown, buttons "LI-STENEINABEE" and "BUILDING MAP INPUT" also appear on the display 33 shown. When the user touches the "ENTER LIST" button on the display, it is determined that the list entry mode has been selected. When the list entry mode is selected, appears on the display 33 a menu is shown that contains items to be searched, e.g. B. ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBER, CATEGORY, NAME or NAME, etc. When the user selects some items in the menu, destinations are selected that correspond to the selected items. Finally, when required data is input after the menu items are selected, a destination is selected. If necessary, detailed guidance for the goals can be presented.

In the building card input mode, the building card for the surroundings of the current position is shown on the display 33 shown. Then any one will appear on the display 33 represented point specified by the cursor to specify a target desired by the user. In this case, the cursor is moved so that the center of the cursor is within an area of a building shape that represents a desired target.

In the list entry mode or the building entry mode, the user confirms the destination when the processing for specifying the destination is completed. Then, the data related to the confirmed target is stored as registered target data TP in the RAM 4 saved. If no new goal is set, the goal setting processing (step 51 ) skipped.

If the building map is in target setting processing (step 51 ) is displayed, the display is also switched depending on the specified conditions from the building map to the street map. The switching of the card is carried out either manually by the user or automatically. For example, if the vehicle is traveling at a speed greater than a predetermined speed, the road map will appear on the display 33 shown. When the vehicle is at a standstill or is traveling at a speed which is lower than the specified speed, the building map is shown on the display 33 shown. In addition, if the building map shown is scrolled and then leaves the coordinate area in which the target or the actual position is, the display is switched to the road map.

In route search processing (step 52 ) the guide route to the destination is searched for using the registered destination data TP, the actual position data MP and the road data. The road number data of roads that form the guide route are arranged in order from the starting point to the destination. The road number data arranged in this way are stored as guide route data MW in the RAM memory 4 saved. For example, if the user wants to drive from a starting point to a destination, he specifies the destination in the goal setting processing (step 51 ). The specified target is a registered target. This destination or a point on the road for which a guide is provided and which is near the destination is called Route end point EP considered.

The actual position of the vehicle becomes a starting point. The actual position or a point on a road for which guidance is provided and which is in the vicinity of the actual position is a route starting point SP. The road that is most suitable or recommended for connecting the route start point SP to the route end point EP is searched automatically. The guide route is formed by selecting roads from roads that connect two intersections or branch points to successively connect the route start point SP with the route end point EP. The conditions for selecting the roads forming the guide route are the following three conditions: 1) The guide route formed corresponds to the shortest route. 2) Main roads are primarily used. 3) The vehicle can reach the route end point EP quickly and easily. The road number data of the roads forming the guide route are stored as guide route data MW in the RAM 4 saved. The guidance route search processing corresponds to the processing for the road numbers forming the guidance route using road data.

In the leadership presentation processing (step 53 ) the route search processing (step 52 ) either in response to a given switching operation or by a voice command or automatically if the actual position deviates from the guide route and the guide route is not reset. The route search processing (step 52 ) is skipped if the guide route is not changed.

In the leadership presentation processing (step 53 ) is used in route search processing (step 52 ) found guide route by a thick line in a clear color, e.g. B. red, blue, on the display 33 shown. In addition, an actual position marker representing the actual position and a target direction marker representing the direction of the target with respect to the actual position are shown. Guidance information is provided through voice output through a speaker 13 or shown on the map so that the user can reliably steer his vehicle along the guidance route. In the map for displaying the guide route, a road map is used that contains geographic data, e.g. B. streets around the current position, facilities, etc. and a building map around the current position. Instead of the road map, a simplified guide route image can be used, in which no geographical data is shown, but only a minimal amount of data, e.g. B. the guidance route, the direction of the destination, the actual position, etc.

When the vehicle has approached a predetermined guide point, e.g. B. an intersection, a map of the area surrounding the guide point is also shown on a larger scale. If the map is shown on a larger scale, guidance information is also provided by display and voice output. The actual position is corrected while the vehicle is traveling, and the map image is automatically scrolled as the actual position moves. In the leadership presentation processing (step 53 ) the displayed image is also switched from the road map or from a simple guide route image to a building map or from a building map to a road map or a simple guide route image. The card is switched or automatically in response to a manual operation by the user.

If the speed of the Vehicle is larger as a given speed, either a road map or a simple guide route picture shown. When the vehicle speed drops than the given speed or the vehicle to a stop has come, the road map or the simple guide route picture on the building card can be switched. If the coordinates of the actual position are outside by the building map shown covered coordinate range, the map shown on the street map or the simple guide route picture for the Switched around the current position. If the vehicle is inside a predetermined distance from the registered destination the displayed image automatically from the street map or from the simple Guide route picture on the building card can be switched

13. Goal setting processing

The targeting processing of the second embodiment is the same as that in FIG 8th Target processing shown (step 51 ) of the first embodiment. First, it is determined whether the vehicle is at a standstill or not (step 60 ). That is, the travel speed data MV is extracted from the RAM 4 read out, and it is determined whether the driving speed of the vehicle is 0 km / h or less than a predetermined speed. If it is determined that the vehicle is not at a standstill, the setting processing ends (step 51 ), and the route search processing (step 52 ) is running.

If against it in step 60 If it is determined that the vehicle is at a standstill, it is determined whether the user has selected a list entry mode or not (step 62 ). When the list entry mode is selected, a target is selected from a list of items to search for the target. For example, if the target processing (step 51 ) starts, the road map for the area around the current position is shown on the display 33 shown. The button "LIST INPUT "is shown. When the user touches this button, a touch signal from the touch panel 34 output. When the touch signal is detected, a list entry flag is set.

In step 62 it is determined whether the list entry flag has been set or not. In the case of the list entry mode, a menu for searching the destination, e.g. B. "ADDRESS", "TELEPHONE NUMBER", "CATEGORY", etc. are shown. When the user touches the button of a desired element, a touch signal corresponding to the button is sent from the touch panel 34 output. In response to the touch signal, the flag of the corresponding element is set, e.g. B. an address flag, a telephone number flag, a category flag or a similar flag.

In the steps 64 to 68 it is determined which flags are set. A "RETURN" button is also shown on the menu screen. When the "RETURN" button is touched, the target processing ends (step 51 ), and the street map will appear on the display 33 that was displayed before the menu image was displayed. The elements of the list are not limited to the elements mentioned above, but can also include the "NAME" or the "NAME" of a company or an institution or the "NAME OF AN INDIVIDUAL".

When an item is selected from the menu screen by the user, appears on the display 33 an input image corresponding to the selected element is displayed (step 74 ). The image for data entry is displayed based on the target data file and the target detail data file. For example, if the "ADDRESS" element is selected, the names of capitals and districts are displayed in a list. Then a list with the names of cities, towns and villages is shown in the picture. Then an image for entering the name of a street, etc. is displayed.

The address is selected by selecting the first letter of the address or by selecting the name in the order of capitals and Districts entered. The address is entered by the user by touching the Name of the capital or district or of the one shown in the picture Numbers selected. When an item "TELEPHONE NUMBER" is selected, numbers 1 to 0 are shown. if the numbers shown by touches the user will be touched Numbers entered as phone number.

If an element "CATEGORY" is selected, a list with the names of several categories is shown on the display. When a desired category name is touched on the list shown on the display, the touched category is selected. Then the locations or facilities corresponding to the selected category appear on the display 33 presented in alphabetical order or in the order of capitals and districts. The user touches a desired name in the list shown on the display. This will select the name you touched.

After a specific location has been specified as a destination using lists successively shown on the display, the destination specified in this way is stored in RAM 4 saved (step 76 ). The coordinate data of each of the locations which can be specified as a destination and which have been stored in the destination data file are the coordinate data of a specific point determined for each location. For example, the center coordinates of a location or a facility are considered as coordinate data.

If the display of the building map is requested at a time when the target processing (step 51 ) is started (ie if the answer in step 78 "YES"), the destination is specified using the building map shown (step 80 ). Processing in step 80 is the same as that of step 76 , The switch for setting the target can be used in addition to the touch panel 34 also an actuating switch located near the display image or the one on the display 33 displayed cursor.

14. Target specification processing

13 shows a flowchart to illustrate the in the steps 76 and 80 executed target specification processing. In this processing, the building map is on the display 33 shown when the representable building card data in the data storage unit 37 are saved. Then, a location specified using the cursor is searched based on the building shape data. The searched location is registered as TP in RAM memory 4 saved. Upon request by the user, detailed data of a location specified using the cursor is also displayed 33 shown.

First, it is determined whether or not the building map for specifying the destination is stored (step 190 ). In the case of step 76 it is determined whether there is building map data that includes the coordinates of one in step 74 selected specific location. In the case of step 80 It is determined whether there is building map data that contains the coordinates of the actual position. When the display image is scrolled, it is also determined whether there are building map data containing the coordinates of the center of the cursor. It is assumed that the data storage unit 37 stored building map data are, for example, map data that define a square area. Then it is determined whether the coordinates of the above-mentioned specific one Location, the coordinates of the actual position or the coordinates of the center of the cursor lie within the area enclosed by the coordinates of the four corner points of the building map data. If these coordinates lie within a square area of the building card data, this means that a representable building card in the card data storage unit 37 is saved.

Then, if there is house map data including the coordinates of the above-mentioned specific location, the coordinates of the present position or the coordinates of the center of the cursor, it is determined whether the street map is on the display 33 has been shown or not (step 191 ). For this purpose, it is determined whether the building map display flag HF has the OFF state or not. When the street map is displayed, the scale of the displayed map is in RAM 4 saved (step 192 ). If the building map is not on the display 33 is shown, the processing of step 192 not executed. The CPU 2 then reads the building card data for the surroundings of the actual position from the building card data file. The read out building card data is sent to the image processor 9 transfer. The display then turns 33 the building map with the actual position in the middle (step 193 ). If the building map as described above on the display 33 is shown, the building card-is-shown flag HF is set to the ON state.

The colors of buildings on the building map are, for example, such that streets and free spaces are shown in white, buildings of people and companies or companies in gray and public facilities in orange. That is, the colors of buildings are classified depending on the characteristics or properties of the buildings in the locations. There is, of course, no restriction as to the assignment of the colors to be displayed and the colors themselves. If a specific location is specified by successively selecting elements on the list shown on the display, the coordinate data in the target data for this specific specified location are read out. Then the building map is displayed so that the point determined by the coordinate data in the middle of the image on the display 33 is pictured.

When the building map is on the display 33 is shown (step 193 ) the cursor KL appears in the middle of the picture on the display 33 shown. In addition, the coordinates of the cursor KL by the CPU 2 determined (step 194 ). The location containing the coordinates of the center of the cursor KL is searched in the building shape data file (step 199 ).

For example, the coordinates of the center KLC of the cursor are processed by processing the center of the coordinate area on the display 33 shown image determined. The building shape data contained in the building map shown on the display are successively read from the building shape data file. The building shape data containing the coordinates of the center KLC of the cursor are determined using the shape data contained in the building shape data read out.

For example, the maximum X coordinates and Y coordinates as well as the minimum X coordinates and Y coordinates can be determined using the shape data (X0, Y0) to (X5, Y5) of the in 6 shown building shape HS can be determined. It is then determined whether the X coordinate (Xc) at the center KLC of the cursor is a value that lies between the maximum X coordinate and the minimum X coordinate. This determination is made by comparing the X coordinate (Xc) of the center KLC of the cursor with the maximum X coordinate and the minimum X coordinate.

Similarly, it is determined whether the Y coordinate (Yc) at the center KLC of the cursor is a value that lies between a maximum Y coordinate and a minimum Y coordinate. If this is the coordinate of the middle KLC of the cursor between the maximum values and the minimum values of X coordinates and Y coordinates in the building shapes HS the gradient of a straight line is determined, which is the coordinates the middle KLC of the cursor with the coordinates of the building shape HS connects. The gradient calculated in this way is called a gradient straight lines compared to the extent of the building shape Enclose HS. Depending on Comparison of the gradient of the straight line determines whether the Center KLC of the cursor within the area of a planar building shape HS lies or not.

For example, a gradient a1 of a straight line Lc, which the middle KLC of the cursor with the Coordinates (X2, Y2) connects a gradient a2 of a straight line L2, which connects the coordinates (X1, Y1) with the coordinates (X2, Y2), and calculates a gradient a3 of a straight line L3 which is the coordinates (X2, Y2) with the coordinates (X3, Y3). The gradients the straight lines Lc, L2 and L3 are compared with each other, to determine if the middle KLC of the cursor is between the even ones Lines L2 and L3 lies. The same processing is done for others straight lines L1, L4, L5 and L6 executed. By comparing the Gradients of the straight lines indicate whether the center KLC of the cursor is within a range indicated by straight lines L1 to L6 which is the outer perimeter of the building shape HS surrounded.

When the building shape data having the coordinates of the center KLC of the cursor is searched as described above, it is then determined whether or not to display detail data (step 200 ). This decision is based on whether the on the display 33 shown button "DETAIL DATA" is touched by the user or not. If a display of detailed data is requested, the data in step 99 Listed image data contained in the building shape data sought and read out to the image processor 9 transferred (step 202 ). Then the display turns 33 the contents of the detailed data related to the location at the center of the cursor are presented in the form of a list.

If the building form HS is, for example, a building with several shops or businesses or companies or companies, a list is displayed, the names and names of the shops or businesses or companies or companies, telephone numbers and the type of shops or businesses or Represents companies or companies in every room of the building. For example, if the user is looking for a bookshop and the bookshop is on the second floor of the building, the user will find the bookshop easily from the list. On the other hand, if the display of detailed information has not been requested by the user for a predetermined period of time, the processing of step 202 not executed. That is, the list of "DETAILED DATA" is not displayed.

It is then determined whether a command to end processing is entered (step 204 ). That is, e.g. B. determines whether the on the display 33 shown button "RETURN" has been touched by the user or not. When there is a request to end the processing, the target specification processing ends (steps 76 . 80 ), and the route search processing (step 52 ) is running.

If there is no request to end processing, it is then determined whether the target is registered or not (step 206 ), For example, the "REGISTER" button appears on the display 33 shown. Whether the user has touched the "REGISTER" button or not is determined by using the touch panel 34 output signal determined. If the destination is registered, the in step 199 searched building shape data as registered target data TP in RAM memory 4 saved (step 208 ).

If the target has not been registered, it is determined whether the user has moved the cursor KL or not. When the cursor KL has been moved, it is decided that the target has been changed. When the cursor KL is moved, the image is scrolled. That on the display 33 shown map image is scrolled. That on the display 33 The map image shown is scrolled so that the center KLC of the cursor is always in the center of the on the display 33 shown image is. If the scrolling process is interrupted, the program jumps to step 190 back, and the coordinates of the center KLC of the cursor are determined (step 194 ). Then the building shape data is determined which have the center KLC of the cursor (step 199 ). If there is a request to display detailed data, a list of detailed data is displayed (steps 200 . 202 ).

If the area of the on the display 33 shown building map has run out of the displayable data area due to the scrolling process, is shown on the display 33 displayed map switched from the building map to the road map. That is, if the on the display 33 Coordinated area shown leaves the area defined by the coordinates at the edges of the building card data, the decision result in step 190 NO. If the decision result in step 190 Is NO, it will appear on the display 33 the map shown is switched to the road map, the coordinates of the center KLC of the cursor being in the center of the image (step 197 ).

If in step 190 on the other hand, it is found that the building shape data containing the coordinates of the above-mentioned specific location, the coordinates of the actual position or the coordinates of the center of the cursor is not in the data storage unit 37 are saved, the processing of step 195 executed. In step 195 it is determined whether the building map is on the display 33 is shown or not. This is determined depending on whether the house map display flag HF is set to the ON state or not. If the road map has already been displayed, it is not necessary to change the map display mode, so in step 196 no processing is in progress. On the other hand, when the building map is displayed, the display mode of the display is switched to a street map display mode. In this case, they are in RAM 4 stored reduced scale data SD is read out, the reduced scale data SD having been saved when the road map display mode was switched to the building map display mode (step 196 ).

Then, in the road map for the vicinity of the actual position, the road map data of a reduced scale, which correspond to the above-mentioned reduced scale data SD, are read out from the road map data file and sent to the image processor 9 transfer. Then the display turns 33 the street map with the coordinates of the aforementioned specific location, the actual position or the center of the cursor at the center of the image (step 197 ). Because the street map on the display 33 is shown, the building map display flag HF is reset to the OFF state. When the street map on the display 33 is shown, the cursor KL on the on the display 33 shown in the middle of the picture. Then the geographic coordinates of the center KLC of the cursor are determined (step 198 ).

It is then determined whether an instruction to end the target specification processing of 13 is entered or not (step 204 ). That is, it is determined whether the user has one on the display 33 touched shown button "RETURN" or not. If there is a request to end processing, the target specification processing of ends 13 , and route search processing (step 52 of 7 ) is running.

If there is no request to terminate the processing, it is then determined whether the processing for registering the target should be carried out (step 206 ). For example, on the display 33 a "REGISTER" button is shown. Whether the represented "REGISTER" button has been touched by the user or not is determined using the output signal of the touch panel 34 certainly. When the registration processing is carried out, that in step 199 searched building shape data as registered target data TP in RAM memory 4 saved (step 208 ).

If the registration processing is not carried out, it is determined whether the user has moved the cursor KL or not. If the cursor KL has been moved, it is also determined that the target has been changed. The image is scrolled by moving the cursor KL. Then that will be on the display 33 shown map image scrolled. That on the display 33 The map image shown is scrolled so that the center KLC of the cursor is always in the center of the on the display 33 dargesteltlen picture is located. If the scrolling process is interrupted, the program jumps to step 190 back, and the coordinates of the center KLC of the cursor are determined (step 198 ).

If the building map shown as a result of the scrolling process within the on the display 33 shown coordinate range, with the center KLC of the cursor in the center of the image, is the decision result in step 190 YES. Then the display turns 33 the building map with the coordinates of the center KLC of the cursor in the middle of the image (step 193 ).

15. Card switching processing

14 Fig. 14 shows a flowchart of a process in the guidance display processing (step 53 ) performed card switching processing (step 210 ). In this card switching processing, processing for manual operation (step 220 ), a target approach switching processing (step 222 ), building card switching processing (step 224 ) and other processing. In processing for a manual operation (step 220 ) the building map display mode and the street map display mode are switched depending on a manual operation performed by the user.

In the target approach switching processing (step 222 ) the road map display mode is switched to the house map display mode when a straight line distance between the moving vehicle and the registered destination becomes smaller than a predetermined distance. In the building card switching processing (step 224 ) the display of the building map is activated when the vehicle's speed drops below a specified speed or when the vehicle comes to a standstill. The display of the building map, on the other hand, is deactivated if the speed of the vehicle exceeds the specified speed.

The street map is also shown when it is on the display 33 shown building map for the surroundings of the actual position no longer in the data storage unit 37 is saved. In other processing, the house map display mode and the street map display mode are switched depending on other switching conditions.

16. Processing for a manual surgery

15 Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing processing for a manual operation (step 220 ) of 14 , First, it is determined whether an attempt has been made to change the display mode of the display (step 230 ). That is, it is determined whether the user requested to change the display mode or not. If there is a request to switch the display mode, it is also determined whether a display of the building map or a display of the street map is requested (step 232 . 242 ).

If there is a request to display the building map, it is then determined whether this is on the display 33 displayed image is a building map or not (step 234 ). This decision is made based on whether or not the building map is HF flag is ON. The building card-is-shown flag HF is set to the ON state when the building card is on the display 33 is displayed, and reset to the OFF state when the road map is displayed. The house map-is-shown flag HF is reset to the OFF state during the initialization processing.

If the building map has already been displayed, there is no need to switch the map display mode and processing for a manual operation (step 220 ) will be terminated. When the road map is displayed, the house map display flag JF is turned ON (step 236 ), and the road map display flag DF is reset to the OFF state (Step 238 ). The house map display flag JF is set to ON when the house map is on the display 33 is displayed and reset to OFF when the road map is displayed. The road map display flag DF is set to ON when the road map is on the display 33 is displayed and reset to OFF when the building map is displayed. In the initialization processing, the house map display flag JF is reset to OFF, and the road map display flag DF is set to ON.

When the house card display flag JF is set to ON, in the house card switching processing described later (step 224 ) determined whether the building map is on the display 33 can be represented or not. Then, a "manual display" flag MF is set to ON (step 240 ). The "Manual display" flag MF indicates that the display of the building map has been requested by a manual operation. On the other hand, when a display of the road map is requested by a manual operation, the "manual display" flag MF is reset to OFF (step 250 ).

When the road map display mode is requested by the user through a display mode switching operation (step 242 ), it is determined whether this is on the display 33 image shown is a road map or not (step 244 ). This decision is made depending on whether the building card-is-shown flag HF is in the OFF state or not. If the street map is already displayed, it is not necessary to switch the map display mode. Then the processing for a manual operation ends (step 220 ) of 15 , On the other hand, when the house map is displayed, the road map display flag DF is set to ON (step 246 ), and the house map display flag JF is reset to OFF (step 248 ). When the road map display flag DF is ON, depending on a building map switching processing described later (step 224 ) executed processing to distinguish conditions the road map on the display 33 shown. Then the "manual display" flag MF is reset to the OFF state (step 250 ).

17. Target approach switching processing

16 Fig. 13 shows a flowchart of the approach approach switching processing (step 222 ) of 14 , In this processing, the building map is on the display 33 shown when the distance between the actual position of the vehicle and the registered target becomes smaller than a predetermined value. The route to the registered destination is guided using this building map. If the distance between the actual position and the registered destination is greater than the specified value, the road map is shown on the display 33 shown.

First, the actual position data MP and the registered target data TP from the RAM memory 4 read out (steps 260 . 262 ). A difference between the coordinate value of the actual position of the vehicle and the coordinate value of the registered target is determined. An even distance from the actual position to the registered target is determined depending on a difference in the coordinate values. The distance thus determined is called the target distance data MD in the RAM 4 saved (step 264 ). Therefore, when the vehicle is running, the target distance data MD is updated continuously. Instead of the straight distance mentioned above, a remaining distance from the actual position MP to the route end point EP along the route MW can be used as the target distance data MD.

Then it is determined whether or not the distance from the actual position of the vehicle to the registered destination approaches the predetermined distance (step 268 ). For example, it is determined whether the target distance MD is smaller than a reference distance SL. The reference distance SL is also used to decide whether or not to start route guidance processing using the house map. The reference distance SL is in the flash memory 3 been pre-stored.

Here, if MD SL SL, this means that the actual position of the vehicle is approaching the destination, so that processing to show the house map on the display 33 is performed. It is first determined whether the building map is on the display 33 is shown or not (step 270 ). This decision is made depending on whether the house map is flag is set to ON or not. If the building map is already displayed, the map display mode does not need to be switched, and the target approach switching processing (step 222 ) will be terminated.

On the other hand, when the road map is displayed, the house map display flag JF is set to ON (step 272 ) and the road map display flag DF is reset to OFF (step 274 ). When the house card display flag JF is set to ON, in the house card switching processing described later (step 224 ) decided whether the building map is on the display 33 can be represented or not. In the building card switching processing described later, the building card is therefore displayed when the conditions are met.

On the other hand, if the target distance MD is larger than the reference value SL, processing for displaying the road map on the display 33 executed. That is, the processing after step 276 is started. In step 276 it is determined whether the "manual display" flag MF is set to OFF or not. If in the above-mentioned processing for manual operation (step 220 ) the display of the building map has been requested by the user, this request by the user has priority. If the "Manual display" flag MF is set to ON, the processing after step 278 ignored. This continues the building map display mode.

If in step 276 If it is determined that the "Manual display" flag MF is set to OFF, it is determined whether this is on the display 33 image shown is a road map or not (step 278 ). This decision is made depending on whether the building card-is-shown flag HF is set to OFF or not. When the house map-is-shown flag HF is set to OFF, the road map has already been displayed so that the map display mode does not have to be switched. Therefore, the target approach switching processing (step 222 ) completed. On the other hand, when the house map is displayed, the road map display flag DF is set to ON (step 280 ), and the house map display flag JF is reset to OFF (step 282 ). When the road map display flag DF is set to ON, in the building map switching processing described later (step 224 ) the road map only on the display 33 shown when other conditions are met.

18. Building card switching processing

17 Fig. 13 shows a flowchart of the house card switching processing (step 224 ) of 14 , In this processing, the building map is on the display 33 shown when the house map display flag JF is being processed for a manual operation (step 220 ) and in the approach approach switching processing (step 222 ) is set to ON. On the other hand, when the road map display flag DF is set to ON, the road map is on the display 33 shown. The building map can be displayed if the vehicle's speed is less than a predetermined speed or the vehicle is at a standstill. Therefore, the display of the building map is deactivated when the speed of the vehicle is greater than the predetermined speed or when the vehicle is running. The street map is also shown if there is no building map for the surroundings of the actual position, which is on the display 33 could be represented. When the data on the display 33 representable building map not in the data storage unit 37 only the street map is saved on the display 33 shown.

First, it is determined whether or not the house map display flag JF is set to ON (step 290 ). When the house map display flag JF is ON, it means that the house map is displayable, and it is also determined whether other conditions are met or not. First, the travel speed data MV from the RAM memory 4 read out (step 292 ). Based on the travel speed data MV, it is determined whether the vehicle is at a standstill or not (step 294 ). The travel speed data MV are based on data signals from the vehicle speed sensor 24 permanently updated.

That is, it is determined whether the by the vehicle speed sensor 24 detected travel speed is 0 km / h or is less than a predetermined speed. If it is determined that the speed of the vehicle is lower than the predetermined speed, the building map can be displayed. It is then determined whether the building map for the surroundings of the current position of the vehicle in the data storage device 37 is saved or not. That is, the actual position data MP is extracted from the RAM 4 read out (step 296 ). Then it is determined whether the building map data which contain the coordinates of the actual position data MP and according to which the building map over the entire image of the display 33 can be represented in the data storage unit 37 are saved (step 298 ).

If it is determined that the building map can be displayed, it is then determined whether the street map is on the display 33 is shown (step 300 ). This is determined depending on whether the house map display flag HH is set to OFF or not. When it is determined that the road map is being displayed, the scale of the road map shown is stored as scale data SD in the RAM 4 saved (step 302 ). When the building map is on the display 33 is represented, however, becomes step 302 not executed.

The building card data for the surroundings of the actual position are read from the building card data file and sent to the image processor 9 transfer. Then the display turns 33 the building map with the actual position of the vehicle in the middle of the map (step 304 ). Because the building map is on the display 33 is shown, the building map-is-shown flag HF is set to ON (step 306 ).

If in step 290 on the other hand, if it is determined that the house map display flag JF is set to OFF, it is then determined whether the road map display flag DF is set to ON or not (step 308 ). Here, when the road map display flag DF is set to ON, the road map is displayed.

Even if there is a request to display the building map, the road map is displayed when the vehicle is running at a speed greater than the predetermined speed (ie, when the answer is in step 294 Is NO) or if in the data storage unit 37 the building map data for displaying the building map for the surroundings of the actual position on the display is not stored (ie, if the answer in step 298 Is NO). If the decision result in step 308 YES is if the decision result in step 294 NO, or if the decision result in step 298 Is NO, it is then determined whether the building map is on the display 33 is shown (step 310 ).

This is determined depending on whether the house map is HF flag is set to ON or not. If the road map is already displayed, it is not necessary to switch the map display mode. Therefore, the house card switching processing (step 224 ) of 17 completed. If in step 310 however, if it is decided that the house map is displayed, the display mode is switched to the street map display mode. When the road map display mode is switched to the house map display mode, the in step 302 in RAM memory 4 read out stored scale data SD (step 312 ).

Then the road map data for the surroundings of the actual position of the vehicle are read out from the road map data file on the scale corresponding to the scale data SD. The road map data read out are sent to the image processor 9 transfer. Then the display turns 33 the street map with the actual position in the middle of the display image (step 314 ). Thereupon, the house map is shown flag HF is reset to OFF (step 316 ).

According to this embodiment, as described above, when the destination is set by the list entry in the destination processing (step 51 ) is selected, the building map for an area that contains the selected destination is automatically shown on the display 33 shown (step 76 of 8th , Step 92 of 9 ). This enables the conditions in the vicinity of the target to be recorded in detail. If the vehicle is traveling at a speed greater than the predetermined speed, the targeting processing is deactivated (step 60 of 8th ). If the vehicle is traveling at a speed greater than the specified speed, the display of the building map is also deactivated while the target is being set. As a result, the user finds the operation of the navigation device convenient.

If the image area containing the target, the actual position or the center of the cursor at the center of the image is outside the coordinate area of the data storage unit 37 stored building map, the building map cannot appear on the entire picture on the display 33 being represented. In this case, the building map shown is automatically replaced by the street map (steps 190 . 197 in 13 ). The road map that is replaced for the building map is a map for the same area as that of the building map that has been displayed. Therefore the map image appears on the display 33 not interrupted.

When performing a manual operation (step 220 in 4 ), a card requested by the user appears on the display 33 shown. That is, that on the display 33 The map image displayed is switched to the building map or the street map according to the user's request. When the vehicle is running, for example, the data related to the guide route can be easily obtained from the road map. When setting a point, e.g. The building map, on the other hand, and detailed data related to the dots can be easily obtained from the building map. This enables the user to easily set and register a desired destination.

If the vehicle is traveling at a speed that is greater than the specified speed, the display of the building map is deactivated and blocked (step 294 in 17 ), so that's on the display 33 shown map image can be viewed more reliably. This is the case because the building map has a small scale and detailed data of building shapes are provided. If a guidance route is displayed on such a detailed building map, the map image is scrolled quickly while the vehicle is traveling. This makes it difficult to determine the geographical area around the vehicle's driving position based on the on the display 33 to confirm the map shown. If the vehicle is traveling at a speed which is greater than the predetermined speed, the display of the building map is therefore deactivated and blocked, and the user is provided with map data which can be reliably viewed at all times.

If the actual position of the vehicle has reached a predetermined distance from the destination, the map data shown is automatically switched to the building map (step 222 in 14 ). This makes it easy for the user to see that he is near the target. Because the building map is automatically displayed, the user can also easily confirm the destination based on the detailed data of the point (building shape or similar detailed data). This prevents the user from being unsure of where the target is and driving past the target even though he is near the target.

When the map data is switched, the scale of the map data (e.g. road map) that existed before the switching process is stored in the memory (step 302 in 17 ). This will, even if there is a renewed switching process from that on the display 33 shown Ge building map on the road map takes place, the scale of the map is not changed unnecessarily. Therefore, the user does not have to resize the map every time the map is switched.

The processings of the second embodiment can be combined in various ways. For example, the card switching processing is combined with the card switching processing by a manual operation when the vehicle is running at a speed higher than the predetermined speed. Therefore, even if the on the display 33 the map shown is switched to the building map by a manual operation, the building map is only displayed when the vehicle is traveling at a speed which is lower than the predetermined speed. That is, if the vehicle is traveling at a speed greater than the predetermined speed, the manual operation performed by the user to display the house map is ignored. This provides the user with a map image that can be viewed reliably at all times. By combining the processing, a navigation device with a high commercial value can be realized. If in the data storage unit 37 Building maps with different reduced scales that cover the same area are stored, the building map can also be displayed when the vehicle is traveling at the specified speed.

19. Processing for setting from stopovers

When the vehicle is traveling along the guide route, activities related to daily life often have to be performed or completed. The activities associated with daily life can e.g. For example: "Eating" or "Dining out", "Shopping", "Refueling the vehicle", etc. In these cases, the navigation device can be used for processing to find locations near the actual location desired by the user -Execute position of the vehicle. 18 Fig. 12 shows a flowchart of a stopover setting processing performed in the above-mentioned cases. Stopovers are places that the user wants to visit in order to perform the activities associated with daily life.

The processing for setting stopovers (step 350 ) becomes a subroutine in the goal setting processing (step 51 ) is provided and starts in response to a switching operation to set a stopover port. The processing for setting a stopover (step 350 ) becomes similar to the actual position detection processing (step 50 ), the route search processing (step 52 ) and the guidance presentation processing (step 53 ) executed repeatedly. In RAM memory 4 a register for storing recommended stopover data DK, stopover data DP, search area data SA, search condition data KJ and a flag for setting an intermediate stopport is arranged (cf. 12 ).

First, it is determined whether the vehicle is at a standstill or is traveling at a speed which is lower than the predetermined speed (step 352 ). This processing is the same as that of step 60 in 8th , If the vehicle is running at a speed higher than the predetermined speed, the processing for setting a stopover port (step 350 ) not executed. When the vehicle is at a standstill, an image to assist entering a category appears on the display 33 shown (step 354 ).

For example, on the display 33 similar to step 68 of 8th presented a list of names from multiple categories. The user can select a category of a place where he wants to stop from the displayed list (step 356 ). Then the display turns 33 an image for specifying the search area and search conditions (step 358 ). The search area can be an area defined by a predetermined distance from the actual position of the vehicle or by an area defined by a large city, a small town or a village in which the vehicle is currently located. The search conditions can be, for example: "parking lot", "business hours", "fees", etc. and can be selected by the user. The data corresponding to these conditions are stored in the target detail data file.

When the search area and search conditions have been selected by the user, stopovers are searched based on the conditions (step 360 ). Therefore, facilities that match the selected category and meet the entered conditions are searched within the range selected by the user in the target data file and the target detailed data file. The searched facilities are stored as data of recommended stopovers in the RAM 4 saved.

Then it is determined whether in the data storage unit 37 a building map is stored which contains the actual position or the center KLC of the cursor in the center of the image (step 362 ). Processing step 362 is the same as processing step 90 in 9 , Therefore, when in the data storage unit 37 the building map data with the actual position or the center KLC of the cursor is stored in the center of the picture, the building map on the display 33 being represented. Then it is determined whether the currently on the display 33 the map shown is a road map or not (step 363 ). When the road map has been displayed, the road map is displayed on the Ge building card switched. The reduced scale of the road map shown is in RAM memory 4 saved (step 364 ). When the building map is on the display 33 on the other hand, the processing of step 364 not executed.

Then, the house map data for an area containing the actual position of the vehicle or the center KLC of the cursor in the center of the image is extracted from the data storage unit 37 read. The read out building card data is sent to the image processor 9 transfer. Then the building map appears on the display 33 shown (step 365 ). When the building map display begins, the building map-is-shown flag HF is set to ON. Due to the processing of step 360 the area of the building shape of a location specified as a recommended stopover is shown in blue (step 366 ).

In processing step 366 are those in RAM memory 4 saved data from recommended stopovers. Building shape data corresponding to the data of recommended stopovers are searched in the building shape data file. The building shape data you are looking for is stored in RAM 4 saved. In addition, the shape data of the in RAM memory 4 saved building shape data read. The flat area specified by the shape data on the building map is shown on the display 33 shown in blue color.

19 shows a state in which the building map on the display 33 is pictured. In case of 19 the building shape of a location corresponding to the specified category is shown in blue. In 19 such places are hatched sections with dashed lines. As described above, on the display 33 Building shapes can be differentiated according to the conditions. This means that building shapes shown in a certain state can be recognized as recommended stopovers.

Then the coordinates of the center KLC of the cursor are determined (step 368 ). The building shape specified by the coordinates of the center of the cursor is in the in the data storage unit 37 saved building shape data file searched (step 370 ). The building shape data you are looking for is stored in RAM 4 saved. Then the shape data is read out from the building shape data sought. The coordinate area of the shape data is shown in red on the display 33 shown. That is, the shape of the building of a location specified by the center KLC of the cursor is shown on the display 33 shown in red (step 372 ). In 19 this place is a section hatched with solid lines.

The shape of the building of a location specified by the center KLC of the cursor can be shown on the image with solid lines. The solid picture is a flat figure with a solid appearance of this place. For example, in 19 solid image VS shown on a portion of the image specified by the center KLC of the cursor. The solid image VS is a perspective view of the appearance at a position specified by the center KLC of the cursor. In 19 the solid image VS is shown offset from the center KLC of the cursor. In practice, however, the solid image VS is displayed at a position of a building shape that is specified by the center KLC of the cursor.

If the building shapes as a result of the movement of the cursor KL are no longer specified by the center KLC of the cursor, the building shapes that are shown in red color or as solid images will be shown as in their initial display state (step 374 ). However, if the building shape specified by the center KLC of the cursor corresponds to a location that corresponds to a category selected by the user, the color representation of the building shape is changed from a red or a similar color to a blue color when it is no longer by the center KLC of the cursor is specified.

This searches for the building shape data specified by the center KLC of the cursor. Thereupon it is determined whether a display of detailed data is requested or not (step 382 ). This decision is made, for example, by detecting whether the on the display 33 shown button "DETAIL DATA" is touched by the user or not. If the display of detailed data is requested, the image data in the list that in the step 370 searched building shape data are contained by the data storage unit 37 read. The read image in the list is sent to the image processor 9 transferred (step 384 ). This makes the contents of detail data related to the location specified by the center of the cursor similar to that of step processing 202 in 13 in the form of a list on the display 33 shown.

It is then determined whether a request to end the processing to set a stopover port of 18 is present or not (step 386 ). For example, it is determined whether the on the display 33 shown button "RETURN" is touched by the user or not. When the "RETURN" button is touched, it is determined that there is a request to end the processing for setting a stopover. If there is a request to end this processing, the route search processing (step 52 ) executed.

If there is no request to end the processing, it is then determined whether or not the processing for registering a stopover port is requested (step 390 ). For example, the "REGISTER" button appears on the display 33 shown. Whether the user has touched this "REGISTER" button or not is based on an output signal from the touch panel 34 certainly. If the "RE-REGISTER" button has been touched, it is decided that the processing for registering stopovers is requested. If registration processing is requested, the processing in step 370 searched building shape data as stopover data DP in RAM memory 4 saved (step 208 ).

If registration processing is not requested, it is determined whether the user is on the display 33 cursor KL has moved or not. When the cursor KL is moved, it is decided that the stopover port is changed. When the cursor KL is moved by the user, an interrupt signal is also generated. When the interrupt signal is generated, the scrolling processing, not shown, starts. This is shown on the display by the image scroll processing 33 shown map image scrolled. That on the display 33 The map image shown is scrolled so that the center KLC of the cursor is always shown in the center of the image.

If the scrolling process is interrupted, processing starts after step 362 again. That is, the coordinates of the center KLC of the cursor are determined (step 368 ). The building shape data specified by the center KLC of the cursor is searched (step 370 ). If a display of detailed data is requested, detailed data is displayed in the form of a list (steps 382 . 384 ). If the on the display 33 shown building card data are interrupted due to the scrolling process of the image, the on the display 33 displayed map switched from the building map to the road map. That is, if the on the display 33 Coordinated area shown is the coordinate area of the data storage unit 37 leaves the stored building card data, the building card may not be completely on the display 33 being represented.

The one in the data storage unit 37 Saved building map is a map of a specific area in which buildings are arranged in close proximity to each other, such as in a capital, city or village. If the on the display 33 If the building map shown is scrolled, sufficient building map data is no longer provided to completely show the building map on the display. If the building card data that can be shown on the display is not in the data storage unit 37 are saved, is the decision result in step 362 NO. If the decision result in step 362 Is NO, it is determined whether the building map is on the display 33 is shown or not (step 375 ).

This decision is based on whether or not the building map shown flag HF is ON. If the road map has already been displayed, the map display mode does not have to be switched and the processing in the next step 376 will not be performed. When the building map is on the display 33 is displayed, however, is switched from the building map display mode to the street map display mode. If the map display is switched from the building map to the street map, the in step 364 in RAM memory 4 read out stored scale data SD (step 376 ).

Then the road map data for the surroundings of the actual position are read out from the road map data file on a scale specified by the scale data SD. The road map data read out are sent to the image processor 9 transfer. This puts the display 33 the street map with the actual position or the center of the cursor in the center of the picture (step 377 ). When the street map on the display 33 is shown, the building map is shown flag HF is reset to the OFF state.

In this street map, recommended stopovers are represented, for example, by blue circles. This makes the recommended stopovers easily recognizable on the map. When the street map on the display 33 is shown, the cursor KL appears at the center of the picture on the display 33 shown. Then the coordinates of the center KLC of the cursor on the street map are determined (step 378 ).

This will when the on the display 33 displayed map is switched from the building map to the road map, the processing of step 386 until step 392 executed one after the other. The processing of these steps is the same as the processing that is carried out when the building map is on the display 33 is pictured.

If the processing for registering stopovers in step 388 is not requested, it is then determined whether the user has moved the cursor KL or not. If the cursor KL has been moved, it is decided that the stopover port has been changed. In connection with the movement of the cursor KL, the on the display 33 shown road map scrolled.

If the scrolling process is interrupted, the program jumps to step 362 back to determine the center KLC coordinates of the cursor (step 378 ). In connection with the scrolling process, it is also determined whether the building map is again completely on the display 33 can be represented or not (step 362 ). That is, when on the display 33 it is detected that the building map with the center KLC of the cursor in the center of the image in the data storage unit 37 is saved, that is Decision result in step 362 "YES". In this case, the building map is shown with the coordinates of the center KLC of the cursor in the middle of the image (step 365 ). If the processing for registering stopovers in step 390 is executed, the stopover setting flag TF is set to ON. The stopover set flag TF is used to determine whether the stopover port has been set or not.

If the stopover port has been set as described above, the route search processing (step 52 ) using the road data in the data storage unit 37 looking for a guide route from the current position to the stopover. In the leadership presentation processing (step 53 ) the navigation processing is carried out according to the guide route to the stopover. If the route search processing (step 52 ) and the guidance presentation processing (step 53 ) are started, it is determined whether or not the stopover setting flag TF is set to ON. When the stopover setting flag TF is set to ON, the guide route to the stopover port is searched and the navigation processing is carried out. When the stopover setting flag TF is set to OFF, the guide route to the destination is searched and the navigation processing is carried out.

Even if, as described above, the stopover is set, the category is selected and the building map of an area that contains the current position automatically appears on the display 33 shown (step 365 ). As a result, the state of the surroundings of the actual position of the vehicle can be recorded in detail. In addition, the destination or the stopover can only be set if the vehicle is at a standstill or is traveling at a speed which is lower than the predetermined speed (step 352 ). The building map is displayed when the vehicle is at a standstill or is traveling at a speed which is lower than the specified speed. This improves the usability of the navigation device according to the invention.

It also covers in the data storage unit 37 saved building map only certain areas. If the on the display 33 scrolling building map displayed, it may often be desirable to display a map for an area for which no building map in the data storage unit 37 is saved. In this case, the street map is displayed instead of the building map (steps 362 . 377 ).

If the on the diplay 33 displayed map is scrolled, the display is therefore not interrupted. In addition, the building shape of a location corresponding to the category selected by the user is shown in a characteristic color, e.g. B. Blue, shown (step 366 ). In addition, the building shape specified by the center KLC of the cursor is displayed in a special form, e.g. B. as a solid image VS (step 372 ). This makes it easy to confirm the shape of the building of a position specified by the cursor. This can shorten the time required to set the stopover or the destination.

20. Third embodiment

The embodiment of the present invention described below relates to a navigation device with a data storage device (building shape data file) for storing building data for displaying building shapes, an input device for entering points or positions, e.g. B. a goal or passing points (step 51 in 7 . 36 ), a search device for searching a building corresponding to a point input by the input device in the data storage device (step 51 in 7 . 36 ) and a route calculation device (step 464 in 27 ) to search for a route with respect to the building sought by the search device as the destination, the route calculation device calculating a route with respect to a point on a street adjacent to the searched building as the end point of the route.

21. Overall circuit

The overall circuit according to the third embodiment is approximately the same as that in FIG 1 Overall circuit shown of the first embodiment. In the map data file, road map data, e.g. B. a street map of the entire country, and building map data of certain areas of cities, towns and villages. The road map data have maps of several different scales that cover the same area. The building map data can be data from a map of each of the areas or multiple map data for different scales.

22. Data groups

20 shows some of those in RAM memory 4 saved data groups. The external data GD, the actual position data MP, the absolute direction data ZD, the relative direction angle data θ, the route data ML, the actual position data PI, the VICS data VD, the Atis data AD, the registered destination data TP, the guidance route data MW, the guide start point data SP and the guide end point data EP have been described with respect to the first embodiment. The intermediate stop data DP are also in the target setting processing (step 51 ) related stopovers.

23. Road data

21 shows some of the road data in the data storage unit 37 saved road data file. The road data file has data related to roads that are wider than a predetermined width and within the range of a map stored in the map data file. When the number of roads included in the road data file is n, road data related to the n roads is stored in the road data file. The road data consists of road number data, a guide object flag, road feature data, shape data, guide data and length data.

The street number data are identification numbers, the each of the streets are assigned by the crossing points contained in the map data are divided. Therefore, a street number designates one in the street data file included road.

The guide object flag has the value "1" if the road is to be guided and the value "0" if the road is not guided should. The one to lead road is a road used to set a route, i.e. H. a street with a Width that is larger as a given width, e.g. B. a main street or a general street. Not a leading one road is a street those for setting the guidance route is not used, d. H. a street that is narrower than that predetermined width, e.g. B. a footpath or an alley or a Private road.

The road feature data represent types of features or characteristics of roads, e.g. B. "Overpass", "underpass", "expressway" or "toll road". The shape data represent shapes of streets and consist of data from a street start point, a street end point and from coordinate data of nodes between the starting point of the road and the street end point.

22 shows roads represented by road data. Road numbers 1 through 14 are assigned roads that are intersected by intersections K1 through K7 22 are divided. The streets with street numbers 1, 4 and 14 have nodes N1 to N4. The nodes of the streets are arranged at a predetermined distance when the street is straight. If the roads are curved, so many nodes are provided that the road can be approximately represented by straight lines.

23 shows some of the streets on an enlarged scale. Each of the streets has opposite lanes for different directions. Separate road numbers L1 to L8 are assigned to the lanes for the different directions of travel. The coordinates of intersections and nodes of road pairs are the same. For example, the start point Ka and the end point Kd of road numbers L1 and L2 have common coordinate data.

The management data ( 21 ) of the road data file have intersection name data, danger point data, road name data, road name language data and target data. The intersection name data represents the name of an intersection when the end point of the road is an intersection. The danger point data are related to railway crossings, tunnel entrances, tunnel exits, reduced road widths, etc. That is, hazard location data is related to points that require increased driver attention. The street name language data are pronunciation data of the street names used for the voice guidance. The length data is related to a route length from a starting point to an end point of a road, route lengths from the starting point to nodes and route lengths between nodes.

The target dates are with a (as Destination designated) road relationship that is connected to the end point of a road. The target dates consist of a number k of targets and dates on each of the targets. The data related to a destination consists of destination street number data, Destination name data, destination name language data, destination direction data and route guidance data.

The destination street number data consists of a road number a road connected to the end point of a road. The Destination name data are the names of the connecting streets Letter or character data. The target name language data is used to the names of the connecting streets to be provided by speech. Set the target direction data the directions of the connecting roads. The route guidance data serve to prepare the user for going from one street to another the connecting roads retract. The route guidance data have data prompting the user in the right lane or to change the left lane or the middle lane hold.

24. Building shape data

24 shows building shape data of a part of the building shape data file. The structure of the building shape data from 24 is approximately the same as that of the building shape data of 5 , The data of neighboring streets consist of number data of the shape of the building of neighboring streets and coordinate data of nodes of the streets. Here, the node contained in the data of neighboring streets is a node that is closest to the shape of the building among the nodes contained in the neighboring streets.

If there are multiple neighboring streets, the neighboring street data has the street number data and the coordinates data of the node that is closest to the building shape. In 25 For example, a road to be led LD1 and a road to be led LD2 meet at an intersection Kp. It is assumed here that the registered destination TP1 is in the vicinity of the road to be led LD1 and the road to be led LD2.

The streets LD1 and LD2 are through divided the intersection Kp and also divided into right and left lanes. Therefore, the road LD1 is made up a street number LD1a and a street number LD1b. Similarly, there is road LD2 from a street number LD2a and a street number LD2b. Moreover exist a road that from street numbers LD3a and LD3b, and a street made up of street numbers LD4a and LD4b exist.

Therefore, the data of neighboring streets contain the House shape data at the registered destination TP1 the street number LD1b and the street number LD2a. The shape of the building is an area enclosed by vertices A to F, and the coordinate data from closest (very close) to those facing the road Coordinates A, B, F arranged nodes ND1 and ND2 are in the Data from neighboring streets saved.

In case of 26 the registered destination TP2 is near a road LD5 that is not being led. In this case, the street number of the non-leading street LD5 is stored in the data of neighboring streets. Road LD5, which is not to be led, is so narrow that it only has one lane. If necessary, the road to be led can also have two lanes. When a road that has two lanes but is not a road to be led is near the registered destination TP2, the road number of a lane is stored in the data of neighboring roads that is closer to the registered destination TP2. In 26 In addition, the coordinate data of the node ND6 closest to the registered destination TP2 is stored in the registered road data.

The specific coordinate data contained in the building shape data are coordinate data of the entrance of a building or coordinate data of the entrance to a parking space assigned to the building. That is, the specific coordinate data includes coordinate data of a point through which the user can most conveniently access a location specified by the house map data. For other dates is on 5 referred to the first embodiment.

25. Overall processing

The overall processing of the third embodiment is almost the same as that in FIG 7 shown overall processing of the first embodiment.

In goal setting processing (step 51 ) processing for setting the target is carried out in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments. The data related to the target specified by the user is stored as registered target data in the RAM 4 saved. When the destination is specified on the building map image, the building shape data of a location corresponding to the destination is read out from the building shape data file. The target data serve as registered target data TP. When the destination is specified on the road map image, the destination data of a place corresponding to the destination is read out from the destination city file. The target data serve as registered target data TP.

In addition, a stopover along the guide route is set in the same manner as in the target setting processing. That is, the data related to the specified stopover port is called the stopover port data DP in the RAM 4 saved. The goal setting processing (step 51 ) will not be executed again if the destination or a stopover is not reset.

In route search processing (step 52 ) a guide route to the destination is searched for based on the registered destination data TP, the actual position data MP and the road data. The guide route is stored as guide route data MW in RAM 4 saved. The guidance route data MW consist of road number data of the roads that connect the starting point with the destination. A point on the guide road is regarded as the guide route end point EP, the point being near the target which is in the target setting processing (step 51 ) is registered.

The starting point is the current position of the vehicle or a point on a road to be driven close to the current position. The starting point is considered the route starting point SP. If the intermediate stop port is set, a guide route is sought from the actual position of the moving vehicle to the intermediate stop port. The leadership presentation processing (step 53 ) is carried out up to the position of the stopover. When the intermediate stop is reached, a guide route from the intermediate stop to the route end point EP is automatically sought. The leadership presentation processing (step 53 ) is carried out along the guide route.

If the running position of the vehicle during the guidance display processing (step 53 ) deviates from the guide route, the route search processing is started (step 52 ) to look for a new guidance route. The route search processing for searching a new guide route is started based on a predetermined switching operation, by voice input, or automatically. The new guide route is a route that includes a new vehicle position with the stopover or connects the goal. Therefore, the route search processing (step 52 ) will not be executed again if the vehicle does not deviate from the guide route or if the user does not enter a new search command.

In the leadership presentation processing (step 53 ), voice information and image information are provided so that the user can drive his vehicle along the route search processing (step 52 ) set guide route can lead comfortably. For example, the guide route is indicated by a thick line in red, blue or another clear color on the display 33 illustrated map image. It also puts the picture on the display 33 an actual position marker representing the actual position of the vehicle and a direction marker representing the direction of the destination or the stopover with respect to the actual position. The map image representing the guide route will be a street map of the area around the current position or a building map of the area around the current position. Instead of the street map, a simplified guide route image can also be displayed, which represents only a minimal amount of data, e.g. B. the guide route, the direction to the destination or to the stopover, the actual position, etc., but geographic data are omitted.

In the leadership presentation processing (step 53 ) the displayed map image is switched from the street map or the simplified guide route image to the building map or from the building map to the street map or the simplified guide route map. The card is either switched over manually by the user or automatically. If the driving speed of the vehicle is greater than the predetermined speed, the road map or the simplified guide route image is displayed, for example. If, on the other hand, the vehicle's speed is lower than the specified speed, or if the vehicle is at a standstill, the system switches from the road map or the simplified guide route map to the building map. If the vehicle is within a predefined distance from the destination or the stopover, you can switch from the road map or the simplified route map to the building map.

26. Route search processing

27 shows a flowchart of route search processing (step 52 ). In this processing, the starting point and the ending point of the guide route are processed by processing for determining the guide starting point (step 460 ) and processing for determining the leading end point (step 462 ) certainly. The guide route has a route from the actual position of the vehicle to the registered destination or to the registered stopover. Therefore, the route start point is a start point and the route end point is an end point. When the route start point and the route end point are determined, the most suitable or recommended route from the route start point to the route end point is sought (step 464 ).

This guidance route consists of roads that are selected from the roads to be guided in the road data file under specified conditions. The conditions for selecting the streets forming the guide route are: i) the guide route is the shortest route; ii) Main roads are preferred and iii) the user can reach the route end point EP smoothly and easily. The road number data forming the guide route is stored in the RAM memory as guide route data MW 4 saved.

27. Processing to determine of the route starting point

28 shows a flowchart of a route search processing (step 52 ) executed processing to determine the route starting point (step 460 ). Narrow streets and private streets with a width that is smaller than a predetermined width are not guide streets or streets for which no guidance is provided. These non-routable roads are never used as the route starting route guidance. If the current position of the vehicle is on a non-leading road or in a parking lot other than a road, a point on a leading road must be found that is closest to the current position of the vehicle. In the processing for determining the route starting point, therefore, a point is searched for which is on a road to be guided and is closest to the actual position if the actual position is not on a road to be guided. The point on the road to be guided is considered the route starting point SP.

The workflow for determining the route starting point is described below. First of all, the actual position data MP representing the actual position of the vehicle are extracted from the RAM 4 read out (step 472 ). It is determined whether the point represented by the actual position data MP is on a road to be led (step 474 ). The data for leading roads are searched in the road data file. It is determined whether the data for roads to be guided contain road data which have a node which corresponds to the coordinates of the actual position data MP. If corresponding road data are available, it is then determined that the actual position is on a road to be led.

If the actual position is on one road, the actual position data MP are stored as route starting point data SP in the RAM 4 saved (step 484 ). If the actual position is not on a road to be guided, starting point data and node data of a road to be guided, which are within a predetermined distance from the actual position, are read out (step 476 ). Distances or distances from the actual position to the read starting point data and to the node data are calculated (step 468 ). The one in step 468 certain distances or distances are compared with each other in order to find the starting point or node (which is a point with the smallest distance) of the road to be guided, which is within the shortest distance with respect to the actual position (step 480 ). If there are several points with the shortest distance, the point closest to the registered destination TP or the stopover DP is selected. The coordinates of the point with the shortest distance are stored as the route starting point data SP in the RAM 4 saved (step 482 ).

A perpendicular is drawn from the coordinates of the actual position with respect to a straight line, which is the coordinates of the step 480 connects the found point with the shortest distance to a starting point or a node near the point with the shortest distance. The coordinates of a point where the perpendicular meets the straight line can be used as the route starting point. In this case, the route start point is a point closer to the actual position than the point with the shortest distance. If there are several intersection points, the intersection point that is closest to the actual position is used as the route start point.

28. Processing to determine of the route end point

29 shows a flowchart of a route search processing (step 52 ) executed processing for determining the route end point (step 462 ). First, the registered target data TP from the RAM memory 4 read out (step 490 ). Then, it is determined whether or not the registered target data TP is the building shape data (step 492 ). If the goal is in goal setting processing (step 51 ) is specified on the building map image, the registered target data is TP building shape data.

On the other hand, if the destination has been specified on the road map image, the registered destination data TP is the destination data. A flag is added to the registered target data TP to indicate a difference between the building shape data and the target data. Therefore, depending on the flag, it is determined whether the registered target data TP is building shape data or not. Here, if the registered target data TP is building shape data, the data of neighboring streets in the building shape data is read out (step 494 ). The coordinate data of a node of the data of neighboring roads read out in this way are stored as route end point data EP in the RAM memory 4 saved (step 496 ).

If against it in step 492 it is determined that the registered target data TP is not building shape data, a road to be guided, which is closer to the registered target data TP, is searched in the road data file. Then, a point that is an end point of the road to be guided or a node on the road and is within a predetermined distance from the registered destination TP is determined (step 498 ). For example, several points on a circle with a certain radius are calculated with the coordinates of the registered target TP as the center. The coordinates of the multiple points are compared with the coordinates of end points and nodes contained in the road data. Then it is determined whether the end points or nodes of roads to be guided are within the predetermined distance from the registered destination TP.

Then distances from those in step 498 found endpoints and nodes to the registered destination TP (step 500 ). For example, differences in latitude and longitude between the coordinates of the end points or nodes and the coordinates of the registered target TP are determined. The distances are determined based on the differences in width and length and according to the Pythagorean theorem. Then the step 500 determined differences compared. Thereby, an end point or a node (representing the end target point) with the shortest distance from the registered target TP is determined (step 502 ). The coordinates of the final destination point are stored as route end point data EP in the RAM 4 saved (step 504 ).

A perpendicular is drawn from the coordinates of the registered target with respect to a straight line that is the coordinates of the one in step 502 endpoint found with the coordinates of the endpoint or the node in the vicinity of the endpoint. The coordinates of a point where the perpendicular meets the straight line can be used as the end point of the route. In this case, a point closer to the registered destination than the end destination point can be used as the route end point. If there are multiple intersections, the intersection point closest to the registered destination can be used as the route end point.

29. Guide route search processing

30 shows a flow chart of one in the Route search processing (step 52 ) executed guidance route search processing (step 464 ). First, the route start point data SP, the route end point data EP and the registered destination data TP are stored in the RAM 4 read out (step 510 ). Then, it is determined whether or not the registered target data TP is building data (step 512 ). If in goal setting processing (step 51 ) a destination has been specified on the house map image, the registered destination data TP is house map data as described above. When the destination has been specified on the road map image, the registered destination data is the destination data.

Here, if the registered target data TP is the building shape data, the data of neighboring streets in the building shape data is read out (step 514 ). It is then determined whether the read out data of adjacent roads have roads not to be led (step 516 ). For example, road data corresponding to the road number in the data of neighboring roads is read from the road data file. Depending on whether or not the guide object flag is set to OFF in the road data, it is determined whether or not the roads are roads to be led.

If the data of adjacent roads have roads not to be led, destination road number data contained in the road data related to the roads not to be led are read out. By using the guide object flag, the street numbers of the streets to be guided are searched in the destination street number data. Therefore, the street numbers of the streets to be guided which are connected to the streets not to be guided are read out. The street number data read out are stored in RAM memory as further street number data LN 4 saved (step 518 ). On the other hand, if the data of neighboring roads have roads to be led, the processing of step 518 not executed.

Then street numbers are searched in the street data file which have the route starting point SP. The street numbers are in the first data area of the guidance route data register MW in the RAM memory 4 written (step 520 ). The roads to be guided, which are connected to the above-mentioned roads and are more suitable for reaching the registered destination TP, are searched in the road data file (step 522 ).

The destination street number data in the street data ( 21 ) are used to record the street numbers of streets connected to the street. The road feature data and the destination direction data are used as conditions for selecting more suitable roads to be led. The selection conditions are: i) main roads are preferably used, and ii) a road directed towards the registered destination TP is preferably used.

The direction of the registered target is determined when the registered target TP is in the registered target setting processing (step 51 ) is set. The data representing the direction of the target is called the target direction data MH in the RAM 4 saved. The direction of the registered destination is, for example, an angle that a straight line that connects the route start point SP with the route end point EP forms with respect to the absolute direction ZD. In step 522 a road which is most advantageous for meeting the above-mentioned conditions is selected from a plurality of roads connected to the road. If multiple streets are selected under the same conditions, more detailed conditions are used to select the street. For example, a road is determined that is the shortest distance from the route start point to the route end point. The road number of the road thus determined is added to the end of the data in the guide route data register MW (step 522 ).

Then it is determined whether the step 522 Street is a neighboring street or not (step 524 ). That is, it is determined whether the street number data is the one in step 522 matched street with the street number data of the data of neighboring streets or not. If the street is not an adjacent street, it is then determined whether the in step 522 Street searched for in step 518 read road LN or not (step 540 ). If it is not street LN, the program goes to step 522 back, and a next advantageous road to be led and connected is searched in the road data file.

As a result, the streets to be guided are searched sequentially until the neighboring street or the one mentioned above in step 522 searched street LN are reached. The road number data of the searched roads to be guided are successively added to the ends of the data of the guide route data register MW (step 522 . 524 . 540 ).

If that in step 522 searched street is the neighboring street, this means, on the other hand, that the guide route from the route starting point SP to the registered destination point TP is searched. Therefore, the road number data of the adjacent road is added to the end of the data in the guide route data register MW (step 526 ). Then the node data is the one in step 522 searched street from the node data of the data of neighboring streets. The coordinate data of this node are set as route end point data EP (step 528 ). In step 528 in the above-mentioned processing for determining the route end point (step 462 ) in the RAM memory 4 written route end point data EP ge extinguished. The one in step 528 certain route end point data EP are again stored in the RAM 4 written. If there are multiple route end point data EP, one data element thereof is set as the route end point.

If e.g. B. according 25 the guide route along the road LD1b from top to bottom, the road number of the adjacent road LD1 is written in the end data area of the guide route data register MW. The coordinate data of the node ND1 are set as route end point data EP. If the guide route includes the road LD3b or LD4b, the adjacent road LD2a is determined to be the final guide road connected to the roads LD3b and LD4b. Therefore, the road number of the adjacent road LD2a is written in the end data area of the guide route data register MW. In addition, the coordinate data of the node ND2 are determined as route end point data EP. In step 522 the continuing roads are detected based on the condition that the route end point EP is a node of the adjacent road. As a result, the guide route is not the route that approaches from the right along the road LD2b.

If that in step 522 Street is not the neighboring street (step 524 ), but the one in step 518 searched street LN (step 540 ), the road number data of the road LN is written at the end of the guide road data register MW (step 542 ). Then, the road number data of the adjacent roads connected to the road LN are read out from the data of adjacent roads. The street numbers of the streets connected to the street LN are added to the end of the guide route data register MW (step 544 ).

For example, if there are multiple roads adjacent to the registered destination TP, the road data corresponding to the road numbers of the adjacent roads are read out from the road data file. The street data is searched that contains a street number of the street LN in the destination street number data. The street number of the street data thus searched is that of the adjacent street connected to the street LN. The coordinate data of a node of the adjacent road connected to the road LN is read out from the node data in the data of adjacent roads. The read coordinate data are set as, route end point data EP (step 546 ). Similar to the step mentioned above 528 are also in this step 546 those in the processing for determining the route end point (step 462 ) in the RAM memory 4 written route end point data EP deleted. Instead, the step 546 certain route end point data EP in the RAM memory 4 written.

In 26 For example, the street numbers of the streets LD2a and LD2b are stored in the RAM as the street LN connected to the neighboring street LD5 4 written. If the guidance route is a route approaching along the road LD2a from the left or along the road LD2b from the right, the road number of the road LD2a or the road LD2b is written in the guidance route data register MW (step 542 ). In addition, the road number of the adjacent road LD5 is written in the end data area of the guide route data register MW (step 544 ). The coordinate data of a node ND6 of the neighboring road LD5 are set as route end point data EP (step 546 ).

If in step 512 on the other hand, if it is determined that the registered destination data TP is not building shape data, the street numbers of streets having the route starting point SP are searched in the street data file. The searched street number data is written into the first data area of the guide route data register MW (step 530 ). Then, the roads to be guided that are connected to the above-mentioned road that are advantageous for reaching the registered destination TP are searched in the road data file (step 532 ). The road number data of the roads thus searched are written in the next data area of the guide route data register MW (step 534 ). The processing of the steps 532 and 534 are the same as those of the step 522 ,

Then it is determined whether the step 532 searched roads contain the route end point EP or not (step 536 ). For example, the coordinate data in the road data is the one in step 532 searched roads contain nodes. It is determined whether the coordinate data of these nodes match the coordinate data of the route end point EP. If no node matches the route end point EP, processing jumps to step 532 back to find the next road to go (step 532 ). As a result, the streets to be guided are searched in succession until a street is found which has the route end point EP. The street numbers of the searched streets to be guided are added to the end of the guide route data register MW (steps 532 . 534 . 536 ).

If a road is searched that has the route end point EP, the decision result in step is 536 YES. The node on the road found in this way is defined as the route end point EP. For example, there may be a plurality of route end point data EP which are used in the step for determining the route end point (step 462 ) in the RAM memory 4 have been written. If several in step 462 found route endpoints are present, the route endpoint becomes the one with the node of the guidance route processing in step 464 petition th guide road matches, as route end point data EP in the RAM memory 4 saved (step 538 ).

If a stopover port is set, a guide route to reach the stopover port is searched in the same way in the processing for searching a guide route to the registered destination. The processing for finding the guide route to the stopover is the processing for determining the route starting point (step 460 ), the processing for determining the route end point (step 462 ) or the guidance route search processing (step 464 ), in which the registered destination data TP are replaced by the stopover data DP.

In this embodiment, when the destination or the stopover is set on the building map, a guide route is searched based on the data of neighboring streets included in the building shape data (step 464 ). If the building map in the guide display processing (step 53 ) is displayed, the registered destination or the stopover is shown as a building form on the building map. In addition, a guide route is shown on the building map up to a node on a street adjacent to the building shape or up to a node at a position in the immediate vicinity of the registered destination or the stopover. If there are several neighboring streets, the optimal end destination for the guidance is therefore selected from the nodes of the several neighboring streets.

If the registered destination is set on the road map, the data of neighboring roads in the guide route search processing (step 52 ) not used (steps 530 to 538 in 30 ). In this case, the guide route is formed using only the roads to be guided. Therefore, the route end point EP may not be on a road adjacent to the destination. It can therefore often happen that the route end point EP is spaced from the destination or from the stopover. As a result, it is often not possible to quickly reach the destination or the stopover from the route end point EP.

If the registered destination is set on the building map, on the other hand, in the guidance route search processing (step 52 ) uses the data of neighboring streets (step 514 in 30 ). The data of neighboring streets can often include streets that are not to be led. Therefore, the guide route has roads not to be led. In addition, the guide route is searched up to a street adjacent to the registered destination. That is, the guide route is searched up to a point immediately before the destination.

30th embodiment, in which specific coordinate data are used (fourth embodiment)

In the embodiment described above (third embodiment) if the destination or the stopover is in the building shape data is specified, the node of a street adjacent to the building shape as the end point of the route considered. Hence the guide route searched to a point from where the destination or the stopover is easily and quickly accessible. In the shown below embodiment becomes the guide route to a point that is getting closer located at a specific point, e.g. B. the entrance of a building on Destination or the stopover or access to a parking lot, based on the specific coordinate data in the building shape data searched.

In this embodiment, the RAM memory 4 a register for storing specified position data IZ and specific neighboring street number data SN (cf. 20 ). The specified position data IZ represent a specified position selected by the user from the specific coordinate data in the building shape data. The specific neighboring street number data SB represent street number data of the neighboring street on which the specified position is located. One in 31 shown arrival point determination processing (step 550 ) is used in goal setting processing (step 51 in 7 ) executed. 32 Fig. 12 shows processing for determining a route end point (step 462 ) according to the fourth embodiment. 33 shows route search processing (step 464 ) according to the fourth embodiment. These processes are described below.

31. Arrival point determination processing ( 31 ) according to the fourth embodiment

31 shows a flowchart of the in the target processing (step 51 ) executed arrival point determination processing (step 550 ). Before this processing begins, the user specifies the destination as described above. The target data or the building shape data at the specified target are stored in the RAM 4 saved as registered target data TP. After the registered target data TP in RAM memory 4 the arrival point determination processing is started.

It is first determined whether the registered target TP is in RAM 4 is saved or not (step 552 ). When the destination has been registered, it is then determined whether or not the registered destination data TP is building shape data (step 554 ). When the destination has been specified on the house map image as described above, the registered destination data are TP buildings shape data. On the other hand, if the destination has been specified on the road map image, the registered destination data TP is the destination data.

If the registered target data TP is the target data, the building shape data cannot be searched for at the target. Therefore, the specific position cannot be determined, and the arrival point determination processing (step 550 ) will be terminated. This is the case because the data read from the building shape data is used for the specific position.

Therefore, when the registered target data TP is building shape data, specific coordinate data are read out from the building shape data (step 556 ) that have been stored as the registered target data TP. The contents of the specific coordinate data are shown on the display 33 shown (step 558 ). The image data has been added to the specific coordinate data, which together with the coordinate data of the specific position on the display 33 should be displayed. Based on the image data, an image related to the specific coordinates is displayed 33 shown. If the specific coordinate data is coordinate data of the entrance of a building or the entrance to a parking lot, expressions, e.g. B. "ENTRANCE TO A BUILDING" or "ACCESS TO A PARKING SPACE" on the display 33 shown.

Then it is determined whether or not the user has selected a specific position (step 560 ). Based on that on the display 33 displayed image, the user selects a desired position. When a specific position is selected, the coordinate data of the selected specific position is stored as specified position data IZ in the RAM 4 saved.

32. Processing to determine a route end point according to the fourth embodiment

32 shows a flowchart of a route search processing (step 52 ) executed processing to determine the route end point. In 32 are the same steps as those of the processing for determining the route end point ( 29 ) of the third embodiment described above is designated by the same reference numerals. First, registered target data TP from the RAM memory 4 read out (step 490 ). Then, it is determined whether or not the registered target data TP is building shape data (step 492 ). When the registered target data TP is building shape data, specified position data IZ from the RAM memory 4 read out (step 570 ). In addition, data of neighboring streets are read out from the building shape data which is the registered target data TP (step 572 ).

Distances between the nodes contained in the data of neighboring roads and the coordinates of the specified position data IZ are calculated (step 574 ). The node closest to the specified position is determined (step 576 ). Coordinate data of the specific node are stored as route end point data EP in the RAM 4 saved. The road number data of the adjacent road having the node representing the route end point is stored in RAM as specific data of adjacent roads SN 4 saved (step 580 ).

If against it in step 492 If it is determined that the registered target data is not building shape data, the road data file is searched. Points are determined which are within a predetermined distance from the registered target TP (step 498 ), where the points represent the end point and the node of a road to be guided contained in the road data file. Distances between the registered destination and the end point and the node are calculated in step 498 were determined (step 500 ). Then the step 500 certain distances compared. The end point or node on the road to be guided, which is closer to the registered destination, is regarded as the route end point (step 502 ). The coordinates of the end point are stored as route end point data EP in the RAM 4 saved (step 504 ).

33. Guide route search processing according to the fourth embodiment

33 shows a flowchart of a route search processing (step 52 ) executed guidance route search processing. In 33 are the steps that follow the route search processing steps ( 30 ) the same as the third embodiment, denoted by the same reference numerals. First, the route start point data SP, the route end point data EP and registered destination data TP are stored in the RAM 4 read out (step 510 ). Then, it is determined whether or not the registered target data TP is building shape data (step 512 ).

When the registered target data TP is building shape data, specific data of neighboring roads SN is removed from the RAM 4 read out (step 590 ). It is then determined whether the specific data of neighboring roads SN read out have roads not to be led (step 516 ). For example, road data corresponding to a road number in the specific data of neighboring roads are read out from the road data file. It is determined whether the guide object flag of the read road data is OFF or not. If the leading object flag is OFF, the road is a non-leading road.

If here the specific data of neighboring roads SN is a road not to be led , the road numbers of roads connected to the non-leading road are read out from the destination road number data contained in the non-leading road data. The street numbers read out in this way are stored in the RAM memory as data LN of further streets 4 saved (step 518 ). On the other hand, if the specific data of neighboring roads SN does not include a non-leading road, the processing of step 518 not executed.

Then street numbers containing the route starting point SP are searched in the street data file. These street numbers are in the first data area of the guide route data register MW in the RAM memory 4 written (step 520 ). Then, the most suitable road to be guided, which is connected to the roads and arrives at the registered destination TP, is searched in the road data file (step 522 ). The street numbers of the streets connected to the street are included in the destination street number data in the in 21 Street data shown searched. The most appropriate road to guide is determined using the road feature data and the destination direction data.

In step 522 the most suitable road to be guided is therefore determined from a plurality of roads connected to the road. The road number data of the detected roads are added to the end of the guide route data register MW (step 522 ).

Then it is determined whether the step 522 Street is a specific neighboring street or not (step 592 ). If it is not a specific neighboring street, it is then determined whether that in step 522 Street searched for in step 518 read road is LN or not. If it is not street LN, the program goes to step 522 back to where the most suitable road to lead is to be searched, which is to be connected next. This will make the most suitable roads to walk in step 522 searched sequentially until the adjacent street or the street LN is searched, and the streets are added to the end of the guide route data register MW (steps 522 . 592 . 540 ).

If that in step 522 In contrast, the searched street is the specific neighboring street, this means that the guide route has arrived at the registered destination TP. In this case, the road number of the specific neighboring road is written in the end data area of the guide route data register MW (step 594 ). The route end point data EP lying on this specific neighboring road are considered as the only route end point data EP (step 596 ). In step 596 several in route determination processing (step 462 ) in the RAM memory 4 written route end point data EP deleted and that in step 596 certain route end point data EP in the RAM memory 4 written. If there are multiple route end point data EP, only one data element thereof is specified.

According to 25 it is now assumed that the building shape data at the registered destination TP1 have two specific coordinate data TZ1 and TZ2. Here, the user can specify the specific coordinates TZ2. In this case, the specified position data IZ are regarded as specific coordinate data TZ2 (step 562 in 31 ). The route end point EP is the node ND2 which is closest to the specific coordinate TZ2 (step 578 in 32 ). The specific neighboring street number SN is the street number of the neighboring street LD2a containing the node ND2 (step 580 ).

When the guide route is connected to the road LD1b from above, the node ND1 may be near the registered destination TP1, but it is not closest to the specific coordinate TZ2. The node ND1 is therefore excluded as the route end point EP. The node closest to the specific coordinate TZ2 is the node ND2. Therefore, the node ND2 is regarded as the route end point EP. The road number of the specific neighboring road LD2a is written in the end data area of the guide route data register MW (step 594 ).

If the street LD3b or the street LD4b one road the guide route , the specific adjacent road is preferably LD2a as a street detected, the one with the streets LD3b or LD4b is connected. This is because of the specific neighboring street LD2a the closest contains nodes arranged for the specific coordinate TZ2. Therefore becomes the street number the neighboring street LD2 the end of the guidance route data register MW added. Moreover the coordinate data of the node ND2 as route end point data EP set.

For the search of the guidance route become the more advanced streets based on the condition that the route end point EP is on Is the node of the specific neighboring road. Hence approaching the guide route never coming from the right along road LD2. If the specific Coordinate TZ1 is specified by the user, therefore the route end point EP the node ND1. The specific neighboring road is the street LD1b, and a guide route, where the node ND1 is the end point, the only route that coming from above along the specific neighboring road LD1b approaches.

If against that in step 522 found street is not the specific neighboring street (step 592 in 33 ), it is determined whether the street searched for is the one in step 518 Read street LN or not (step 540 ). If the street you are looking for is street LN, the streets will be numbered Road LN data was written at the end of the guidance route data register MW (step 542 ).

Then, the road number data SN of the specific adjacent road connected to the road LN is read out. The road number data SN is written in the end data area of the guide route data register MW (step 600 ). The coordinate data of the node on the specific adjacent road read out from the adjacent road data is set as route end point data EP (step 602 ). Even in this step 602 be similar to the step mentioned before 596 that are in the route determination processing (step 462 ) in the RAM memory 4 written route end point data EP deleted. The one in step 602 Certain route endpoint data is newly stored in RAM 4 written.

According to e.g. B. 26 the registered destination TP2 has a specific coordinate TZ3 and an adjacent road LD5. Therefore, the route end point EP is a node ND6 (step 578 in 32 ). The specific neighboring street is a street LD5 (step 580 in 32 ). Therefore, the street numbers of the streets LD2a and LD2b are in the RAM 4 stored as roads LN connected to neighboring roads LD5 (step 518 ). If the guidance route coming from the left along the road LD2a or from the right coming along the road LD2b is connected, the road number of the road LD2a or LD2b is added to the end of the guidance route data register MW (step 542 ).

In addition, the road number of the specific neighboring road LD5 is written in the end data area of the guide route data register MW (step 600 ). The coordinate data of the node ND6 of the neighboring road LD5 are set as route end point data EP (step 546 ).

If in step 512 on the other hand, if it is determined that the registered target data TP is not building shape data, the following processing is carried out. The street numbers of streets that have the route starting point SP are searched in the street data file. The road number data thus searched is written in the initial data area of the guide route data register MW (step 530 ). Then, the road to be guided, which is connected to the roads and most suitably arrives at the registered destination TP, is searched in the road data file (step 532 ). The street number data of the searched street are written into the end data area of the guide route data register MW (step 534 ).

Then it is determined whether the step 532 searched road contains or not the route end point EP (step 536 ). If no route end point EP exists, the program jumps to step 532 back to where a next suitable road to be led is sought which is connected to the road (step 532 ). The streets to be guided are searched in succession until a street is searched which has the route end point EP. The road number data of the searched road is added to the end of the guide route data register MW (steps 532 . 534 . 536 ).

If a road is searched that has the route end point EP, the decision result in step 536 is YES. The route end point EP of the searched street is regarded as the only route end point EP (step 538 ).

If there are several specific neighboring streets, the specific neighboring street to be guided is a street that is in step 522 or a specific neighboring street connected to the above-mentioned street (step 600 ). The route end point EP is limited to the nodes of this road (steps 596 . 602 ).

When an intermediate stop port is set, the same processing as the route setting processing for setting a guide route to a registered destination sets a guide route arriving at the intermediate stop port. The processing for setting the guide route to the stopover is the processing for determining the route starting point (step 460 ), the processing for determining the route end point (step 462 ), the guidance route search processing (step 464 ) or the arrival point determination processing (step 550 ), in which the registered destination data TP are replaced by the stopover data DP.

34. Fifth embodiment

In the third and in the fourth embodiment the data of neighboring streets in the building shape data by street numbers from the shape of the building neighboring streets and coordinates one closest to the shape of the building arranged node formed. Here the form data of the building from several coordinate data that form a flat figure. On Flag data item can coordinate data near the road under the coordinate data of the shape data are added. The flag data element shows that the coordinate is in the Near the road located. Hereinafter, this flag is referred to as an "adjacent coordinate" flag.

As in 20 is shown by a broken line, the RAM memory 4 a register for storing the data LD of neighboring streets. The adjacent road data LD is the road number data of the shape of the building at the registered destination TP adjacent roads. Therefore, the neighboring road data is not provided in the building shape data in the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the road data may differ not between roads to be led and roads not to be led. Therefore, the processing for determining the route end point (step 462 ) according to the fifth embodiment in 34 shown. The guidance route search processing (step 464 ) according to the fifth embodiment is in 35 shown.

35. Processing for determining the route end point according to the fifth embodiment

34 Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing for determining the route end point (step 462 ) according to the fifth embodiment. In 34 are the same steps as the processing steps to determine the route end point of 29 denoted by the same reference numerals. First, the registered target data TP from the RAM memory 4 read out (step 490 ). Then, it is determined whether or not the registered target data TP is building shape data (step 492 ). If the registered target data TP is building shape data, the shape data is read out from the building shape data (step 610 ). Then the coordinate data to which the "neighboring coordinate" flag is assigned are selected from the read shape data (step 612 ).

Then, endpoints or nodes that are within a predetermined distance from the coordinate to which the "neighboring coordinate" flag is assigned are searched in the road data in the road data file (step 614 ). Then distances between in step 614 endpoints or nodes and the coordinates to which the "neighboring coordinate" flag is assigned (step 616 ). The one in step 616 certain distances are compared. According to the comparison result, the end point or node with the shortest distance is determined for each of the coordinates to which the "neighboring coordinate" flag is assigned (step 618 ).

The street number with the one in step 618 Endpoint or node found is searched in the road data file. The street of this street number is the street that is adjacent to the registered destination TP. The street number data of this neighboring street are stored as data LD of neighboring streets in the RAM 4 saved (step 620 ).

The road data is searched for shape data that is the coordinate data of the step 618 endpoint or node found. From the street data, a street number of a lane of the side is detected, which is located in the vicinity of the coordinates of a corner point to which the "neighboring coordinate" flag of the building shape is assigned. In this case, the road feature data includes lane data that represents whether the lane is on the right or left side of the center line.

The coordinates of the in step 618 found end point or node are considered as a base point. It is determined in which direction (north, south, east or west) the coordinates of the corner point to which the "neighboring coordinate" flag is assigned are from the base point. This direction is compared with the lane data to detect the neighboring road. The coordinates of the in step 618 found end point or node are stored as route end point data EP in RAM 4 saved (step 504 ).

If in step 492 on the other hand, if it is determined that the registered target data TP is not building shape data, the steps 498 to 502 executed. The end points and nodes of the roads to be guided are determined which lie within a predetermined distance from the registered destination TP (step 498 ). Distances between the end points or nodes and the registered target TP are calculated correctly (step 500 ). The one in step 500 certain distances are compared. The end point or node with the smallest distance is considered the end point (step 502 ). The coordinates of the end point who as the route end point data EP in RAM 4 saved (step 504 ).

36. Guide route search processing according to the fifth embodiment

35 FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the guidance route search processing according to the fifth embodiment. In 35 are the same steps as the guide route search processing steps of 30 denoted by the same reference numerals. First, the route start point data SP, the route end point data EP and the registered destination data TP are stored in the RAM 4 read out (step 510 ). Then, it is determined whether or not the registered target data TP is building shape data (step 512 ). If, as described above, in the target processing (step 51 ) a target is specified on a building map image, the registered target data are TP building shape data. When the destination is specified on the road map image, the registered destination data TP is the destination data. Here, if the registered target data TP is building shape data, it is stored in the RAM 4 stored data LD of neighboring streets is read out (step 630 ).

A street number that has the route starting point SP is then searched for in the street data file. The street number is stored in the initial data area of the guide route data register MW in the RAM 4 written (step 520 ). Then, a road that is connected to that road and that is most suitable for reaching the registered destination TP is searched in the road data file. The street number of the searched for Road is added to the end of the guidance route data register MW (step 632 ).

Then it is determined whether the step 632 Street found is the neighboring street or not (step 524 ). That is, it is determined whether the street number data is the one in step 632 searched street with the street number data LD of the neighboring street or not. If the street is not the neighboring street, the program jumps to step 632 back, where a next further street is sought. In step 632 the most suitable streets are therefore searched for in succession until the neighboring street is found. The road number data of the searched road is added to the end of the guide route data register MW (steps 632 . 524 ).

If against that in step 632 searched street is the neighboring street, this means that the guide route has arrived at the registered destination TP. Therefore, the road number data of the adjacent road is written in the end data area of the guide route data register MW (step 526 ). The route end point on the adjacent road is set as route end point data EP (step 634 ). In step 634 are used in the processing for determining the route end point (step 462 ) in the RAM memory 4 written route end point data EP deleted, instead the in step 634 certain route end point data EP in the RAM memory 4 written. If there is a plurality of route end point data EP, one data element thereof is determined. In step 620 of 34 the street numbers of the neighboring streets and the route end points arranged thereon in relation to each other in the RAM memory 4 saved.

According to, for example 25 the shape data in the building shape data at the registered destination TP1 consists of coordinate data from corner points A to F. The "neighboring coordinates" flag is assigned to the coordinate data of corner points A, B and F which are adjacent to the streets LD1b and LD2b. Therefore, the processing for determining the route end point determines ( 34 ) the end points or nodes with the shortest distance from the corner points A, B and F (step 618 in 34 ). In this case, the nodes ND1 and ND2 are detected. However, the vehicle cannot be stopped in the middle of the intersection. The crossing Kp is therefore excluded from the recommended route end point.

For example, if the guide route is connected to the upper side of the road LD1b, the node ND1 is set as the route end point EP (step 538 in 35 ). When the guide route is connected to the street LD3b or the street LD4b, the adjacent street LD2a is preferably determined as the street connected to these streets LD3b and LD4b. Therefore, the road number of the adjacent road LD2a is written in the end data area of the guide route data register MW (step 526 in 35 ). The node ND2 is set as route end point data EP (step 634 in 35 ). In step 632 a continuing road is determined based on the condition that the route end point data EP represent a node on the adjacent road. Therefore, the guide route is never connected to the right side of the road LD2b.

If in step 512 on the other hand, if it is determined that the registered target data TP is not building shape data, the processings of and after step 530 executed. The street number of a street which has the route starting point SP is searched in the street data file. The searched street number data is written into the first data area of the guide route data register MW (step 530 ). Then, a road that is connected to this road and most suitable for reaching the registered destination TP is searched in the road data file (step 636 ). The road number data of the searched road is added to the end of the guide route data register MW (step 534 ).

It is then determined whether the step 636 searched street has or does not have route end point EP (step 536 ). If there is no route end point EP, the proogram jumps to step 532 back to where a next, most suitable street is sought (step 636 ). Therefore, the continuing roads are searched sequentially until the road having the route end point EP is searched. The road number data of the searched road is added to the end of the guide route data register MW (steps 636 . 534 . 536 ). If the road that has the route end point EP in step 636 the decision result in step is searched 536 YES. In this case, the route end point EP on the searched road is regarded as the only route end point EP (step 538 ).

If a stopover port is set, a guide route to the stopover port is searched in the same manner as in the processing for searching a guide route to the registered destination. The processing for finding the guide route to the stopover is the processing for determining the route starting point (step 460 ), the processing for determining the route end point (step 462 ) or the guidance route search processing (step 464 ) in which the registered destination data TP are replaced by stopover data DP.

37. Sixth embodiment

The navigation device of the below described embodiment is characterized in that it has the following facilities:

• (1) A data storage facility (building shape data file) for storing building data representing the shape of a building.
• (2) An input device for entering a desired category (step 644 in 36 ).
• (3) A search device for searching a building corresponding to a category entered by the input device in the data storage device (step 648 in 36 ).
• (4) A cursor position detection device for detecting the cursor position (step 660 in 36 ).
• (5) A building search facility for searching a building corresponding to the detected cursor position (step 662 in 36 ).
• (6) A display device (display 33 ) for displaying buildings that correspond to the category entered by the input device in a first display format (step 658 in 36 ) and for displaying buildings searched by the building search facility in a second display format (step 664 in 36 ).

39. Point setting processing according to the sixth embodiment

36 Fig. 11 shows a flowchart of point setting processing (step 640 ) according to the sixth embodiment. First, it is determined whether the vehicle is running or not (step 642 ). If it is determined that the vehicle is running, the point setting processing is not carried out. That is, the point setting processing can only be carried out when the vehicle is at a standstill or is traveling at a very low speed.

If it is determined that the vehicle is at a standstill, it is then determined whether or not an instruction to set a point is entered using a category (step 644 ). If the point is to be set using the category, a category list will appear on the display 33 shown. The category selected by the user is determined (step 646 ). Several items that correspond to the selected category appear on the display 33 represented (or output by language). The point searched by the user is shown using a on the display 33 provided touch panels.

The selected device or point is searched for in the data storage device (step 648 ). It is determined whether a building map that is capable of displaying the searched point is in the data storage device 37 is saved or not (step 650 ). The saved building map is shown with the above-mentioned point in the middle (step 656 ). This determines whether the currently on the display 33 the map shown is a road map or not (step 652 ). When a street map is displayed, preparations are made to display the building map. That is, the scale of the road map currently displayed is in RAM memory 4 saved (step 654 ).

Buildings that match the entered category are searched in the building shape data. The buildings are shown in the first display format (step 658 ). In the first display format, the color, the brightness or the luminosity are changed with regard to the permanent status. Therefore, the buildings corresponding to the selected category can be distinguished from other buildings.

The cursor is then used to specify a particular point on the map image displayed. Therefore, the position of the Cur sors shown on the map image is detected (step 660 ). Then a building corresponding to the cursor position is searched in the building shape data (step 662 ). The building you are looking for is shown in the second display format (step 664 ). In the second display format, the first display format is changed further. For example, the building shown is shown lighter or more intense. This makes it easier to distinguish the point specified by the cursor. The second display format can be any format, provided that the points are even more distinguishable with respect to the first display format.

The object shown in the second display format is always a point specified by the cursor. For example, the cursor is moved to a building shown in the first display format. Then the display format of the building specified by the cursor is changed to the second display format. If the cursor is moved away from this building to specify another building, the display format of the previously specified building is reset to the first display format (step 666 ).

In addition, it is determined whether or not there is a request to display detailed data related to buildings (step 668 ). If there is a request to display detailed data, detailed data of a building specified by the cursor are provided (display guidance, voice guidance) (step 670 ). The "RETURN" button appears on the display 33 shown. It is determined whether the user has touched the "RETURN" button or not (step 680 ). If it has been touched, the point setting processing of 36 ,

If the "RETURN" button is not touched, it is determined whether or not there is a request for processing to register the point (step 682 ). When there is a request for processing to register the point, the point specified by the cursor becomes registered (step 684 ). Then the point setting flag is turned ON (step 686 ). When the point is registered, the point setting processing ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the house map containing the selected point is not in the data storage unit 37 is saved (NO in step 650 ), the processing in and after step 672 executed. In step 672 it is determined whether the on the display 33 the map shown is a road map or not (step 672 ). When a building map is displayed, it is stored in RAM 4 stored stored scale data (step 674 ), Then the street map is displayed according to the read scale data (step 676 ).

Then the cursor position on the road map is determined (step 678 ). The point specified by the cursor can now be registered (step 682 . 684 . 686 ). If the desired point is not found during processing, the "RETURN" button appears on the display 33 touched to finish processing.

40. Route search processing according to the sixth embodiment

37 Fig. 14 shows a flowchart of route search processing (step 700 ). First, a destination entered by the user is searched in the data storage device (step 702 ). If the searched destination is present in the building map data, streets adjacent to the destination are searched in the building shape data (step 704 ). The data of neighboring streets can be pre-stored in the building shape data. From the building shape, the streets that have coordinates corresponding to the coordinates of the destination can also be set as neighboring streets.

It is then determined whether specific data, e.g. B. point data such as entrance, exit, parking space, etc. are stored in the building shape data at the entered destination or not (step 706 ). If specific data is available, a node of the nearest street is searched based on the specific data. The road node is set as the end point of the route (steps 708 . 710 ). That is, it is assumed that the input data is stored as specific data in the building shape data at the input destination. The node of the road closest to the entrance can be considered a route end point based on the specific data. Therefore, even if there are several adjacent roads, a guide route to a point desired by the user can be reliably provided.

The user can, for example request: "LEAD ME TO A PARKING PLACE "," LEAD ME TO A FRONT ENTRANCE "," LEAD ME TO THE EXIT, TO ONE GUEST TO MEET " etc. Therefore several in the building shape data specific data must be stored. In this case, the specific ones Data at the destination structured in such a way that the user can select it appropriately can. This enables the user to make a selection according to various requirements to meet.

A route is then sought from the actual position detected by the actual position detection device to a route end point calculated according to the above description (step 712 ). If the specific data is not included in the building shape data, a node located closest to the point at the center of the building shape is searched. This sets the route end point (step 714 ), and the route is searched for to the destination (steps 710 . 712 ).

In the above-described embodiments, in response to a switching operation of the user (steps 100 . 102 in 9 ) z. For example, a list of target related data is presented. Instead, however, detailed data related to the shape of the building indicated by the center KLC of the cursor can also be shown on the display 33 being represented. In addition, the building shape specified by the center KLC of the cursor can be displayed in a red or similar color that is different from the color of the other building shapes. A three-dimensional or perspective image representing the appearance of this location can be displayed at the position of the building shape or at a position where an associated object is displayed, e.g. B. a notice board or similar object.

In the above embodiments, the building shape consists of a building or a furnishing unit. However, the shape of the building can also be formed in such a way that several buildings of a facility form a unit. The shape of the building can also be formed such that a district forms a unit. In the above-mentioned embodiments, the building shape data was formed by coordinate data of corner points of the planar building shape. The building shape data can be formed by coordinate data of the sides that form the outer periphery of the planar building shape. Or the building shape data can be formed by coordinate data that maintain a predetermined distance contained in the planar building shape. In addition, the building shape data can be formed by coordinate data of corner points of a planar figure, which is displayed on a plane of the three-dimensional or perspective appearance of the place. Similarly, the building shape data can be formed by coordinate data on the sides of a planar figure with a three-dimensional or perspective appearance, or by coordinate data which are one contained in the planar form, maintaining a predetermined distance. If the three-dimensional or perspective appearance of the building shape is displayed on one level, in step 98 the target specification processing ( 9 ) Find the building shape data that contains the center KLC of the cursor on the planar shape. In addition, the building shape data can be searched that the center KLC of the cursor on a planar section, e.g. B. a place, etc. have.

If the shape of the building is such that a district forms a unit, the external data representing the shape of the district and the internal data of the buildings become related to each other in the data storage unit 37 saved. In this case, the internal data of the building and the external data, e.g. B. Forms of buildings can be stored in relation to each other.

The building map may not appear on the display 33 shown, but specific coordinates can be specified on the road map using the cursor. The building shape data containing the specified coordinates can be searched. In this case, the building shape data searched for is stored in RAM memory 4 saved as registered target data TP. The building map may not contain any building shapes. For example, locations, e.g. B. roads, rivers, etc., with the exception of buildings, shown in detail, but buildings are not shown. If a target is to be set, specified coordinates are searched for by the cursor KL or in a similar manner on the map. The building shape data having the coordinates searched for can be searched. In this case too, the building shape data sought are stored in RAM memory 4 stored as the registered target data TP.

The building card can be a card of which, based on the coordinates, the overall shape or a part the shape of a building, a facility or a bridge is recognizable. With regard to the representation of the shape of buildings can the entire building contained in the data is shown, or it can only be displayed on request. In addition, the Building shape data to represent the shape of a building or in relation to the building standing detail data. After identifying the shape of a building can the building be searched at an entered point so that it is for the user it is easy and convenient to enter a desired building. If the shape of a building is shown on the display using the shape data of the building is, is also the point now shown can be recognized more reliably. That is, the Dot is more clearly visible.

Above was the touch panel described as an input device. However, the entry can also be made via a Joystick, a remote control by voice or similar Way.

In the above embodiments, moreover, the actual position, the destination or the center of the cursor is set to the center of the image when the house map or the street map is on the display 33 is pictured. However, the map can also have other coordinates in the center of the picture on the display 33 being represented. If, for example, it is desired to display a region far ahead, a point ahead of the actual position at a predetermined distance can be set to the center of the image.

Embodiments have been described above in which the shape of the building is shown in blue at a recommended stopover (step 366 in 8th ) and the shape of the building at the center KLC of the cursor was shown in red or as a three-dimensional or perspective image VS (step 372 in 18 ). However, there is no restriction on the color to be displayed, and the brightness, luminosity or pattern in the area of the building shape can be changed, or the building shape can blink, or a marking, e.g. B. an arrow can be shown to represent the shape of the building.

Except the position of the building shape at a stopover, the three-dimensional or perspective Image can also be displayed at a position where an assigned Object is represented, e.g. B. a notice board or the like Object.

The user can switch between the building map and the street map according to a selection. The map to be displayed can also be selected depending on the category of the stopover specified by the user. The map can also be selected depending on whether the current position of the vehicle is within or outside the area of the building map data or not. The map can be selected depending on whether or not a predetermined period of time has elapsed with respect to the start of the vehicle's journey. The map can also be selected depending on the engine speed. The card can also be selected depending on the time. The map can be selected depending on the amount of fuel left in the vehicle. The card can be selected depending on the engine temperature. The card can be selected depending on the battery voltage. The map can be selected depending on the brightness in the area surrounding the vehicle. The map can be selected depending on the ambient temperature of the vehicle. The map can be selected depending on the direction of travel of the vehicle. The map can be selected depending on the driving angle of the vehicle with respect to the absolute direction. The card can be in Ab depending on the height of the vehicle.

In step 60 of 8th , in step 294 of 17 and in step 352 of 18 was determined depending on whether the vehicle speed is 0 km / h or slower than a predetermined speed, whether the vehicle is at a standstill or not. The predetermined speed can be a very low speed, a low speed or a medium speed.

The third and fourth embodiments, which do not form part of the invention, have been described in cases where road data includes roads to be led and roads not to be led. However, road data can also be used in which a distinction is made between roads to be led and roads not to be led. That is, the guide route is made using all in the data storage device 37 stored road data searched. In this case, none of the processing is in the steps 516 . 518 . 540 to 546 . 600 and 602 the 30 and 33 required.

In the fourth embodiment can the specific coordinates specified by the user as the route end point can be set, and a guide route can go up to the specific coordinates. In addition, the neighboring streets can pass through Calculation based on the shape data of the building shape data neither on the data of neighboring streets on the "neighboring Coordinate "flag being found. Neighboring streets can e.g. B. by looking for common Coordinates between the road data and the building shape data be searched for.

The present invention may be an information display device having the following features. That is, the device stores data related to buildings, e.g. B. Forms and names or designations of buildings (building form data file). The map is also displayed based on the data (step 193 of 13 , Step 304 of 17 , Step 365 of 18 ), so that the shapes (shape data) of the buildings shown are recognizable. In addition, the building can be searched for at a point entered and information about it can be provided (step 199 in 13 , Step 370 in 18 ).

The storage unit 37 may be located in a home computer or in another computer so that the navigation processing described above can be carried out at a location other than a vehicle. For example, according to the navigation processing, the map is displayed, the movement from the actual position to the destination is simulated, or the distance along the streets between any points in the map is calculated.

The programs and / or data described above can be from an external system via the data transceiver unit 27 to the flash memory 3 be transmitted. The external system is a system for providing information about the current position or an information center, such as ATIS (Auto Traffic Information Service). This external system is located away from the navigation device. The transferred programs are automatically saved in flash memory 3 installed (transferred / copied) when the programs transferred to the navigation device or an operator generate a corresponding command.

The route search processing described above (step 52 ), the processing for determining the guide route starting point (step 460 ), the processing for determining the guide route end point (step 462 ), the guidance route search processing (step 464 ) and / or the point setting processing (step 640 ) can be executed in the external system. The processing results and map information are transferred from the external system to the navigation device. The display of road information and the route guidance are provided in the navigation device based on the processing results received and the map information. In this case, road information, map information, setting information and traffic congestion information are collectively processed and controlled in the external system, so that better route guidance and better point setting processing are provided.

The programs can from the data storage unit 37 by inserting the data storage unit 37 in the navigation device or by switching on the navigation device or based on a command entered by an operator (operation) automatically in the RAM memory 4 be installed. This installation is always carried out when e.g. B. the navigation device is switched on because the programs and data cannot be stored non-volatile in the RAM memory. If the speed of reading information from the data storage unit 37 is large, the CPU can 2 those in the data storage unit 37 Read and run stored programs directly. The flash memory 3 can be a RAM-backed battery, an IC memory card, or an EEPROM.

Claims (8)

An information display device comprising: a device ( 37 ) for storing building shape data related to a building shape (HS) surrounded by lines (L ₁ , ... L _n ) forming a section, a boundary of a square or an outer periphery of a building on a map , and detailed information from Buchsta ben or characters or numerical information that distinguish the section, the square or the building, or consists of letters or characters or numerical information that distinguish existing facilities in this section in this square or the building; a facility ( 34 ) by an operator to specify a predetermined point on the map through the center (KLC) of a cursor; means for searching the coordinates of the center (KLC) of the cursor in the building shape data; a facility ( 2 ) to decide whether the center (KLC) of the cursor lies within the coordinates of a plane sectioned by the building shape (HS); a facility ( 8th ) for determining the building shape data in the area of the building in which the specified point is contained when it has been decided by the decision means that the center (KLC) of the cursor lies within the coordinates of the plane sectioned by the building shape (HS); and a facility ( 9 . 10 ) to show the detailed information about the specific building shape data on a display ( 33 ). The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the building shape data Data corresponding to the section, the square or the building have three-dimensional view. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein when the detailed information about the detected House shape data is shown on the display, at the same time the three-dimensional View is shown. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the letters or characters or numerical information that the section, the Square or the building distinguishes, consists of one or more information elements, which consists of a specific name, a telephone number, an address, one Number of floors or an area dimension of the section, of the square or building selected become. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the letters or characters or numerical information that the in the section, on site or in the building distinguish existing facilities from one or more Information elements consisting of a name, a telephone number, an address, an industry type, a business content or a role any facility or store, if one or several facilities or shops in the Sectionalized section, in place or in the building are. Information display device according to one of claims 1 to 5, the detailed information comprising data of an adjacent street, who are nearby of the section, square or building. Information display device according to one of claims 1 to 6, the detailed information coordinate data of an input or an access of the section, the square or the building having. Information display method comprising the steps of: storing building shape data related to a building shape (HS) surrounded by lines (L ₁ , ... L _n ) that indicate a section, a boundary of a square, or an outer periphery of a building form a map, and detailed information consisting of letters or numerical information differentiating the sectioned section, the place or the building, or consisting of letters or signs or numerical information contained in the sectioned section, on Differentiate between space or existing facilities; An operator specifying a predetermined point on the map through the center (KLC) of a cursor; Finding the center coordinates (KLC) of the cursor in the building shape data; Decide whether the center (KLC) of the cursor lies within the coordinates of a plane sectioned by the building shape (HS); Determining the building shape data in the area of the building containing the specified point when it is decided by the decision step that the center (KLC) of the cursor is within the coordinates of the plane sectioned by the building shape (HS); and displaying the detailed information about the determined building shape data.